Language & Literacy

Jeanne Chall Reading Lab

The Jeanne Chall Reading Lab (JCRL) was founded in 1966 for the purposes of training teachers and reading specialists, conducting research in reading, and serving the local community.  Over the years it has become the nexus of the Language and Literacy (L&L) Program at the Harvard Graduate School of Education (HGSE).  Located in the basement of Larsen Hall, the JCRL houses an impressive collection of children's books and magazines, instructional programs, literacy assessments, reading and writing manipulatives, and reference resources on the research and practice of reading instruction.  Also available in the lab are technology tools including video capturing and editing equipment and video footage of reading and writing instruction that can be used as resources to enhance students' professional development. 

The JCRL is more than a library, though.  The JCRL provides a place for master's students and doctoral students to collaborate in planning for their practicum courses, prepare for group projects and presentations, and conduct research of their own or for their professors' research projects.  In fact, in previous years, students have organized a Language and Literacy Club in order to network and socialize with students across Harvard who share an interest in teaching reading and writing. Just as the Language and Literacy club's reach extends from the JCRL into the community, so have most of the activities that are concentrated in the lab.  Students' practicum courses and research projects bring them into the local community to share resources, to serve the children, adolescents, and adults in the local community, and to learn from those in the area who are working with children in schools and other educational settings.

As the JCRL grows, it is now transforming to include the JCRL website, which will eventually become a virtual reading lab for students and community members to access information and resources on reading research and view examples of literacy instruction online.  So welcome to the JCRL website!  We are excited to have you become part of our community of reading educators.  It is the knowledge and experience of JCRL affiliates that make it the dynamic center it is. Visit the JCRL website.