THINKING PRO - Connect critical thinking and reading skills with the writing process

Empower Students with THINKING PRO!

Boost cognitive skills, critical thinking, and media literacy through a proven learning program.
What it is
THINKING PRO is an innovative, evidence-based curriculum unit that focuses on building essential skills in critical thinking, reading, and writing through a project-based, media literacy approach. Designed specifically for high school students, this skill-building program integrates seamlessly into core subjects, equipping learners with valuable tools that enhance academic performance and prepare them for college and career success.
How It Works
The THINKING PRO | Curriculum Unit is a flexible 4-6 week program. It engages students with interactive videos, group discussions, and a Capstone project driven by their passion for local issues and real-world topics. Using local news as reading material creates a strong motivational hook, encouraging deep thinking. Students practice close reading, strengthen analytical writing, evaluate complex information, and apply their skills to real-life situations.
Why THINKING PRO?
Proven Effective Results
Backed by research and results, THINKING PRO delivers measurable growth in key academic areas:
>> 88% Proficency in Reading Strategies
>> 84% Proficency in Thinking Strategies
>> 70% Posttest Growth
Students in intervention groups outperformed peers in reading, writing, math, and science on graduation test scores.
Designed for All Students
THINKING PRO benefits students of all reading levels, from those needing foundational support to high-achievers. Proven effective as both a foundation for 9th and 10th graders and as a tool for those catching up post-pandemic.
Targeted for Adolescents & Young Adults
This program engages high school students (9th–12th grade) with relevant topics, visuals, and media literacy skills, and can also enrich learning for advanced middle school students.
High Engagement and Student-Centered Learning
Students choose their causes and reading sources, fostering ownership and increasing participation. This freedom of choice empowers students to pursue their passions, making learning meaningful and relevant to their own lives.
Non-Partisan, Unbiased Learning
THINKING PRO teaches cognitive and analytical skills, empowering students to assess information critically. Students choose their own topics, explore diverse perspectives, and develop projects based on evidence.
THINKING PRO Features
Project-Based Learning
In the Capstone project, students choose local causes that matter to them, analyze news, write an essay, create a unique artifact, and present their findings to peers. This hands-on approach deepens engagement and critical thinking skills.
Gamified Interactive Learning Videos
Our 20 interactive videos enhance mastery of critical thinking and reading strategies with engaging animations, narrations, and instant feedback. This forms THINKING PRO’s skill-building core. [Learn more here]
Local News Connection
THINKING PRO connects students to local communities through real-world issues and news sources, making learning relevant beyond the classroom. Students select meaningful, complex news texts to deepen their understanding.
THINKING PRO Use Cases
Develop Essential Reading & Writing Skill
Engage with Real-World Literacy Skills
Offer Enrichment for Middle Schoolers
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Prepare for State and Graduation Testing
Connect Current Events to Local History
Encourage Civic Engagement and Action
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Pull-out for English Proficiency
Provide Test Prep & Language Support
Integrate Classroom Enrichment
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Prepare for Rigorous Courses
Offer Intensive Enrichment Programs
Implement Summer Academies
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THINKING PRO Curriculum Options
The THINKING PRO | Curriculum Unit is a versatile 4-6 week program featuring interactive videos, group discussions, and a Capstone project centered on local issues, people, and news. It can be readily expanded into a 10-12 week Learning Program / Intervention during the school year or adapted for a multi-day Summer Academy, adding close-reading exercises, writing activities, and videos for deeper skill development.

For a lighter option requiring minimal planning, THINKING PRO | Essentials offers a self-paced, video-based supplement that teachers can use to seamlessly add skill-building in critical thinking, reading, and writing to their existing units.
About THINKING PRO's Professional Learning Program

THINKING PRO offers an innovative curriculum with integrated professional development to ensure success and fidelity in the classroom. Our professional development includes structured training, evidence-based coaching, and personalized guidance from an individual curriculum coach. This support ensures effective implementation, whether used as a core curriculum unit or as an intervention, maximizing student outcomes and program impact.
Research & Funding
The development of THINKING PRO was supported by state and federal grant funding, including the Michigan Economic Development Center and the US Departments of Agriculture, Defense, Education, and State.* This funding enabled us to conduct comprehensive research and development, ensuring that THINKING PRO integrates best practices in teaching and effectively enhances student learning outcomes.

Our ongoing evaluation, supported by these grants, continues to measure the program’s impact, strengthen teacher practice, and ensure measurable growth for students in critical thinking, reading, and writing skills.

* The content of THINKING PRO is solely the responsibility of Thinking Habitats and does not necessarily reflect the official views or policies of the supporting grant agencies.
US Department of State
US Department of Defense
US Department of Education
US Depatment of Agriculture
Michigan Economic Development Center
Classroom Testimonials
Teachers, students, and administrators across the country have experienced firsthand the transformative power of THINKING PRO. From building critical thinking skills to boosting student engagement, these testimonials reflect the program's ability to adapt to diverse educational needs and deliver measurable results.
"THINKING PRO is an effective immersion experience into the world of critical media literacy. This program gives students the tools they need to distinguish between reliable and unreliable sources and empowers them to choose issues that matter to them."
– Mona Mustafa, Social Studies Teacher, Paterson, NJ
"THINKING PRO aligns perfectly with our school’s emphasis on disciplinary literacy. It provides concrete strategies for scaffolding student learning, which our teachers have embraced wholeheartedly."
- Julia McBride, Principal, Pinckney, MI
"The intentionality of THINKING PRO is what stands out. We’re teaching specific critical thinking skills in an explicit and effective way, which is invaluable in a group setting."
- Gregory Ceithaml, ELA Teacher, Holland, MI
"I learned how to critically analyze articles. This program [THINKING PRO] unlocked a part of my brain I didn’t know I had. Now I enjoy discussing local issues with my friends and family."
– 9th Grade ELA Student, Pinckney, MI

Empower Students with THINKING PRO!

What it is

How It Works

Why THINKING PRO?

Proven Effective Results

Designed for All Students

Targeted for Adolescents & Young Adults

High Engagement and Student-Centered Learning

Non-Partisan, Unbiased Learning

THINKING PRO Features

Project-Based Learning

Gamified Interactive Learning Videos

Local News Connection

THINKING PRO Use Cases

THINKING PRO Curriculum Options

About THINKING PRO's Professional Learning Program

Research & Funding

US Department of State

US Department of Defense

US Department of Education

US Depatment of Agriculture

Michigan Economic Development Center

Classroom Testimonials

"THINKING PRO is an effective immersion experience into the world of critical media literacy. This program gives students the tools they need to distinguish between reliable and unreliable sources and empowers them to choose issues that matter to them."

"THINKING PRO aligns perfectly with our school’s emphasis on disciplinary literacy. It provides concrete strategies for scaffolding student learning, which our teachers have embraced wholeheartedly."

"The intentionality of THINKING PRO is what stands out. We’re teaching specific critical thinking skills in an explicit and effective way, which is invaluable in a group setting."

"I learned how to critically analyze articles. This program [THINKING PRO] unlocked a part of my brain I didn’t know I had. Now I enjoy discussing local issues with my friends and family."