Prince William County Public Schools (PWCS) has taken significant steps to implement the Virginia Literacy Act (VLA), ensuring all students have access to high-quality literacy instruction. With a literacy plan approved by the state on August 1, PWCS has aligned its efforts to meet the needs of students, educators, and families.

PWCS has adopted Houghton Mifflin Harcourt’s Into Reading (grades K-5) and Into Literature (grades 6-8), while resources like Newsela and the University of Florida Literacy Institute support phonics instruction and comprehension. Students who do not meet literacy benchmarks will receive intervention through Lexia Core 5, and reading specialists, trained through the University of Virginia Literacy Partnerships, will create individualized reading plans.

PWCS is partnering with The New Teacher Project to provide ongoing professional development and support for using high-quality instructional materials. Teachers are undergoing training on the new K-3 screening tool and evidence-based instructional techniques, while reading specialists receive next-level training to further support literacy efforts in schools. Every PWCS school has at least one reading specialist on staff, with additional specialists in schools with higher enrollment.

PWCS teachers are fully engaged in training on the Virginia Language and Literacy Screening System (VALLSS) and high-quality curricular material to align their instruction with the latest literacy research. Throughout the year, schools will receive on-site support, and reading specialists will assist teachers in collaborative learning team meetings to review data and refine teaching strategies. State-provided professional learning modules will further enhance teacher capacity to meet the diverse needs of their students.

Families play a critical role in literacy success. PWCS ensures that parents and guardians are part of the student reading plan team if their child struggles with reading. Core classroom resources are accessible at home through each child’s Clever login, and parents can access additional online resources via the PWCS webpage. Family Literacy Nights events will further educate parents on the literacy plan and screening tools.

PWCS is taking additional steps to support students and families most in need of literacy intervention. Title I schools will benefit from enhanced staff training on evidence-based literacy practices. Parent liaisons and family and community engagement support leads will help families access resources and understand the VLA and VALLSS screening tools, ensuring equitable support for all students.

PWCS is committed to ensuring that every child is a proficient reader by third grade. The division’s five-year plan focuses on professional development, equity, early intervention, and family engagement. Key areas include culturally responsive teaching, data-driven decision-making, and ongoing community collaboration.

With sustained efforts in professional development, equity, and family engagement, PWCS is poised to create lasting literacy success for all students.