
Newsela Threads & Themes is a blended core curriculum for grades 6–8, designed specifically to meet the rigor and intent of California’s ELA and ELD standards while engaging today’s learners.


Built in collaboration with leading researchers, Newsela Threads & Themes is grounded in the Science of Literacy, language development, knowledge-building, and equitable instructional design.
Every element — from text selection to lesson structure — is intentionally designed to support students as they engage in learning.
A cohesive program that uniquely combines literacy instruction with knowledge-building opportunities to empower educators and engage students.

Rigorous instruction integrates advanced foundational skills combined with complex tasks to ensure students master grade-level expectations.
Students develop literacy through practices that include:

Make implementation easy with accessible and intentionally-designed instruction, flexible pacing, proactive flex days, and built-in differentiation to ensure a consistent, yet streamlined approach to learning.

With a focus on knowledge-building, Newsela Threads & Themes ensures all students have access to high-quality texts that include full grade-appropriate novels and connected short-form texts.

Foster student agency, creativity, and critical thinking through authentic student-centered learning grounded in diverse, real-world content. These experiences build voice, confidence, curiosity, and a strong sense of belonging.
Explore how Newsela Threads & Themes combines research-informed instruction, inquiry, and engaging texts into a cohesive learning experience.


