Virginia Literacy Act in PWCS

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.

• PWCS has adopted the approved curriculum from Houghton Mifflin Harcourt (HMH) Into Reading K-5 and Into Literature for students in grades 6-8. PWCS will use UFLI as a supplementary resource for students in K-2 for phonics instruction and Newsela as a supplementary resource for comprehension in grades 3-8.
• To learn more about Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, please visit HMH Online, and Newsela at Newsela ELA
• PWCS will utilize Lexia Core 5 as the approved literacy intervention for students who do not meet literacy benchmarks. Student reading plans for those students will outline the use of this resource.

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.

• PWCS is dedicated to partnering with families to ensure the success of every student. All core resources used in the classroom are easily accessible for students at home through each child’s PWCS Portal login.
• The Virginia Literacy Partnerships (VLP) is a program at the University of Virginia School of Education that works with the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) to improve literacy in Virginia. Online family resources can assist you in supporting your child at home in literacy development.
• Parents are required members of the Student Reading Plan team, should their child be identified as not meeting the literacy benchmarks on the Virginia Language and Literacy Screening System (VALLSS) screening tool.

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.

• PWCS will use the Virginia Language and Literacy Screening System (VALLSS) to screen every student in grades K-8. Your child may have been assessed in the past using the Phonological Awareness Literacy Screening (PALS) assessment.
• Significant updates were made to this screening tool to align with research and to provide more accurate information to teachers and parents. This assessment will provide instructionally useful information for teachers and will accurately identify students at risk for developing reading difficulties.
• PWCS staff undergo training on the literacy screening tool, the core resources for instruction, and throughout the year, are trained in 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.

• PWCS reading specialists are at the forefront of these changes in each school. They will be a vital part of any reading plan meeting for students who require additional intervention and will be a contact for all parents should they have questions.

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.

• PWCS created a literacy plan approved by the state on August 1. Parents can review the approved PWCS Literacy Plan.
• PWCS has committed to a partnership with TNTP to provide ongoing professional development and support with the implementation of the use of high-quality instructional materials.
• PWCS staff undergo training on the literacy screening tool, the core resources for instruction, and throughout the year, are trained in evidence-based literacy instruction.
• All PWCS schools have at least one reading specialist on staff. Some schools, based on enrollment, have additional reading specialists to support students and staff.