With the passage of the Virginia Literacy Act (VLA) in 2022, Virginia is taking the lead nationwide to improve early literacy (reading and writing) outcomes for young learners.
The Virginia Literacy Act has specific guidelines for school divisions to follow to ensure that all students will have access to exceptional literacy instruction starting in kindergarten.
Expand the sections below to learn about PWCS' plan, commitments, and changes to improve early literacy for all students beginning in the 2024-25 school year.
Every student in kindergarten to grade eight will receive core literacy instruction based on scientifically-based reading research and evidence-based literacy instruction, as defined in the VLA. Students in kindergarten through grade three will also receive evidence-based supplemental instruction and intervention, as outlined in an individualized student reading plan if they do not meet literacy benchmarks.
Every family will have access to online resources to support literacy development at home and will be able to participate in the development of their child’s student reading plan if their child does not meet literacy benchmarks.
Every teacher will use evidence-based literacy curriculum, assess student learning using approved literacy screening tools, use student-level data to inform instruction and intervention, and participate in pre-service preparation or training on evidence-based literacy instruction.
Every reading specialist, in consultation with classroom teachers, will coordinate and oversee intervention for students not meeting literacy benchmarks, and will develop and monitor student progress on student reading plans, working closely with families and teachers.
Every school division will develop a literacy plan, ensure the use of evidence-based literacy curriculum, staff enough reading specialists to support intervention needs, and provide professional development to support teachers, reading specialists, and principals.