The Houston Independent School District’s Fleming Middle School is partnering with Reading with a Rapper (RWAR) to use hip-hop music to engage students in literacy.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony held Monday unveiled the new learning environment for the program.

Reading with a Rapper co-founder Jarren Small, HISD Chief of Staff Silvia Trinh, Assistant Superintendent Yolanda Rodriguez and Principal Yolanda Bruce cut the ribbon on an interactive classroom that utilizes music videos, noise-canceling headphones and Microsoft Surface tablets to teach English Language Arts.

“Students will engage in interactive learning that adds value to the educational experience using the music they are already listening to,” Trinh said. “Students will be able to see that they can be the next notable songwriter or entrepreneur by applying the complex English Language Arts they are learning right here in our school.”

Students will watch videos that break down the hip-hop lyrics, language structure, and grammar. Videos end with a rapper talking about why it is essential to read.

RWAR partners include BET, Legends Do Live and Footlocker, which helped create the special high-tech classroom where instruction is taking place.