Literacy Intervention for Teens (LIFT) is a research-based program designed to address the literacy needs of striving readers in grades 6-12. It addresses the challenge of varying reading levels in middle and high school classrooms by providing age-appropriate, engaging reading materials that are aligned with structured literacy principles. LIFT’s high-interest texts and materials, including letter-sound and vocabulary cards featuring relatable teen and pre-teen imagery, help striving readers build skills and confidence.
Developed by a team of literacy experts at Storyshares, the program combines these high-quality texts with targeted classroom resources and professional learning opportunities.
LIFT is designed for literacy interventionists, Special Education teachers, MLL/ESL teachers, ELA teachers, and school leaders who are tackling Tier 2 intervention. For educators who are brand-new to teaching reading/literacy intervention, LIFT provides materials, training, and PD recommendations that empower all educators to become effective literacy teachers. Several dozen schools and districts across the country have adopted LIFT, and it has proven effective. In a 2025 study conducted by Johns Hopkins University, middle school students at five different schools who used LIFT showed both increased NWEA MAP scores and a more positive attitude towards reading.
What formats or platforms are used:
LIFT provides decodable and high-low chapter books, workbooks, vocabulary cards, and other materials for students; an Educator Manual and digital resource hub for teachers; and online and in-person professional development for teachers.
Primary website URL:
https://www.storyshares.org/product-page/literacy-intervention-for-teens
Problem solved:
Middle and high school teachers often face the challenge of addressing a wide range of literacy levels among their students. While some students are ready to read complex texts independently, others struggle with fundamental skills like phonics and decoding, leading to disengagement and a loss of motivation. At the same time, teachers may be limited by a lack of literacy training and resources. LIFT solves these problems by providing professional development alongside age-appropriate reading and intervention materials designed to foster reading success and close literacy gaps.
Grade/age range:
Grades 5-12
Does LIFT address core/supplemental/special needs/extracurricular/professional development
LIFT provides core-aligned supplemental literacy instruction as well as professional development.
Subjects:
ELA
Lesson time needed:
The instructional routines are designed to be responsive based on secondary school day schedules. The 30-minute-long lessons are a minimum, not a maximum. The lessons and student workbooks come with extension activities and ways to connect the lessons to core instruction, intended to support teachers and students who teach longer class periods. Teachers whose schedule includes more than 30 minutes a day can also combine lessons to move through LIFT more quickly.
Pricing model:
LIFT offers custom pricing based on individual schools’ or districts’ needs. Please contact Storyshares to inquire.
What makes LIFT unique?
LIFT provides targeted support and age-appropriate materials specifically for teen and pre-teen readers, as well as the professional development resources that middle and high school educators need to become confident teachers of literacy.
Characteristics:
For students, LIFT includes:
● 8 engaging decodable chapter books written specifically for older striving readers;
● 4 high-low books with supporting fluency resources;
● Fluency passages that scaffold up as students improve their skills;
● Sound-Keyword Cards and Dry Erase Boards to provide hands-on practice with multisyllabic word decoding;
● Vocabulary Cards and Book Club Role Cards to enhance comprehension and knowledge; and
● Fluency and Decoding Student Workbooks that offer additional practice and reinforcement, as well as supporting progress monitoring.
For teachers, LIFT offers:
● A detailed Educator Manual with scripted and adaptive lesson plans (including a phonics-based scope and sequence); and
● A 45-minute live implementation session to get educators started;
Additional service offerings include a 4-module self-paced course by HILL for Literacy for in-depth learning on Intervention for Secondary Grades, as well as intensive, personalized coaching and support.
Teacher and user reviews:
“I can say the kids LOVE the program! They ask daily if we are reading today. It just goes to show that students can love reading, when it is accessible and interesting for them."
–Jamie C., Educator, California
“The place where we really, really floundered was fluency. We had no idea. That's just not something you learn when you're a high school teacher. And so partnering with Storyshares was a massive step in the right direction. We were able to actually get all the pieces of the puzzle.”
–Josh Z., Principal, Massachusetts
“For the first time this year, one scholar raised his hand and volunteered to read aloud in front of the class. His teacher shared that they have noticed his fluency improving, and he even began changing his voice to match the different characters, demonstrating growing expression and confidence in his reading."
–Kasey S., Literacy Coach, Rhode Island
"I teach 7th and 8th grade special education and I enjoyed that my students were engaged with what they were reading because the stories are written at their interest level. I also enjoyed that my students were able to read the books because they are decodable."
—Becky F., Special Educator, Kansas
"The texts are connected and the topics are more appropriate for older students. I liked all of it and so did my students! Make more of them!"
—Sarah F., Middle School Literacy Specialist, Massachusetts
