Lincoln-Way 210 to Launch District Literacy Plan, Expands Community Partnerships

Article Summary: As part of its strategic plan, Lincoln-Way High School District 210 is developing a comprehensive literacy plan to embed critical thinking skills across the curriculum. The district is also expanding real-world learning opportunities through a growing college fair, a district-wide career fair, and a new partnership for paid summer internships.

Curriculum & Assessment Key Points:

• The district is creating a formal Literacy Plan to ensure students receive critical reading and thinking skills across all subjects.

• Dual credit enrollment remains strong at 1,410 students, with significant growth seen in the welding program at Lincoln-Way West.

• New partnerships include an expanded college fair with 145 institutions and participation in the Will County Center for Economic Development’s paid summer internship program.

The Lincoln-Way Community High School District 210 board on Thursday, September 18, 2025, heard an update on curriculum and assessment goals focused on enhancing real-world skills and post-secondary planning for students.

A key new initiative is the development of a district-wide literacy plan. Using grant funding from the Illinois State Board of Education, the district has tasked a former reading department chair with leading the effort to integrate critical thinking and literacy skills throughout all subject areas. The initiative is seen as especially important as changes in state law affect freshman reading class enrollment.

The district’s dual credit program enrollment is holding steady, with 1,410 students participating. An administrator highlighted significant growth in the welding program at Lincoln-Way West and noted that a new dual credit culinary careers course has started this year.

The update also focused on building community partnerships. The district’s upcoming college fair on September 24 will feature a record 145 colleges and universities. Additionally, the district is actively recruiting local businesses for its annual career fair, which brings students from all three campuses to Lincoln-Way Central during the school day.

A new partnership with the Will County Center for Economic Development will now allow Lincoln-Way students to apply for paid summer internships at area hospitals and other businesses. “Our students applied and they said ‘but you’re not a member.’ We are now a member,” the administrator announced. The program not only provides valuable experience but also awarded participating students with new laptops last year.