Stories of Excellence

Stories of Excellence is a supplemental literacy resource that highlights Black history and excellence year-round.

These stories celebrate the beauty, brilliance, and contributions of the Black community while strengthening essential literacy skills.

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Stories of Excellence is a

Robust Literacy Resource

Designed for Flexibility and Differentiation

Leveled Texts for 3rd - 8th Grades
Minimal Prep Time & Easily Embedded into Lesson Plans
Great for Small/Whole Group & Independent Reading

Reinforces Effective Instruction

Aligned to ELA, Social Studies, Science, & SEL Standards
Rubrics & Answer Keys
Great for Research Projects

L.I.F.E. Literacy Responses

Reading, Writing, and Discussion Prompts that Connect to Students' Interests and Lives
Reinforces Key Literacy skills such as Comprehension, Critical Thinking, Active Listening, and Verbal Communication
Culturally Responsive and Affirming

How does Stories of Excellence Compare?

Features	Stories of Excellence	Online Reading Materials	Textbooks
Break from screen Ttme	✅		✅
L.I.F.E. Literacy Response Activities	✅
Connected writing assignments	✅	✅	✅
Comprehension quizzes	✅	✅	✅
Engaging newspaper format	✅
Culturally responsive and supports SEL development	✅
Supplements standards with Black History content	✅

We also offer onsite

Stories of Excellence Sessions!

Stories of Excellence sessions are

interactive, high-energy literacy experiences that

celebrate Black history and excellence,

connect to students' interests, and foster academic engagement through culturally responsive content.

4th Graders sharing details that resonated with them from the text.

High School students sharing their L.I.F.E. Literacy Responses!

Students in after school tutoring sharing their

"I Am Excellent Affirmations"!

Professional Learning Reimagined

Our sessions are reflective, practice-centered learning experiences designed to strengthen and enhance educators’ existing instructional approaches.. When educators engage in purposeful, data-informed professional learning, joyful and impactful teaching follows.

*All sessions are customized to the needs of the school or organization.

Checkout Thornton Educational Collective's Signature Sessions

"The L.I.F.E. Framework:

Building Curriculum Around Students' Lives"

This session supports educators in designing literacy experiences that connect curriculum to students’ lived realities—centering joy, relevance, and meaningful engagement in everyday instruction.