English, Reading, & Literacy

News & Announcements

Secondary English Textbook Materials Open for Public Review

UPDATE: October 24, 2024-   Secondary (6-12) English textbooks submitted for review by the Virginia Department of Education and under consideration for approval by the Board of Education are now available for public inspection. The public is invited to review the Public Access for Secondary Textbook Review  and submit written comments through the Public Survey Link ,  or by emailing colleen.cassada@doe.virginia.gov naming the email subject: Secondary Textbook Review Public Comment. 

Secondary Textbook 30-Day Public Comment Open (October 24, 2024-November 23, 2024)

• Publisher Access for Public Review (Word)
• Publisher Access for Public Review (PDF)
• Public Feedback Survey Form (Link)

Call for 2024 English Textbook Reviewers and Summer Symposium Presenters

The VDOE is seeking nominations for qualified individuals available to serve on committees to support the effective implementation of the 2024 English Standards of Learning and the 2023 Mathematics Standards of Learning during the summer of 2024. Participants may choose to apply to serve on a Textbook and Instructional Materials Review Committee or to a joint role on the Textbook and Instructional Materials Review Committee and as a presenter at the VDOE Regional Literacy and Mathematics Symposiums. Nominees should be teachers, principals, administrators, content specialists, reading and mathematics specialists, or other educators who have expertise with the content area and current standards.

Apply by May 3, 2024

Individuals who wish to serve in either capacity must submit an application using the VDOE English Support Application by Friday, May 3, 2024.

Committee members will be selected on the basis of expertise, experience, and balanced regional representation and notified by Friday, May 10, 2024.

Register to Attend the 2024 Literacy and Mathematics Summer Symposiums

The VDOE instructional team is excited to announce the Summer 2024 VDOE Literacy and Mathematics Symposiums in each Superintendent’s Region in Virginia.  The Literacy and Mathematics Symposiums utilize a train-the-trainer model of professional learning and will be the springboard for additional ongoing regional support for divisions.  Symposiums will be held from 9 a.m.- 3 p.m. according to the listing below. 

The VDOE Literacy and Mathematics Symposium will be composed of literacy and mathematics breakout sessions for grade level bands to include grades K-2, 3-5, 6-8, and 9-12.  Materials for these sessions will be available to teachers and leaders after the Symposiums are completed. Additionally, virtual sessions focused on the transition from current standards to the 2024 English Standards of Learning and the 2023 Mathematics Standards of Learning will be provided in Fall 2024.  More information will be provided by the Literacy and Mathematics instructional teams. 

Instructional leads for English and Mathematics as designated in SSWS will be sent the link to register the division’s team. Division leaders should work collaboratively to determine participants and submit one registration per division.   

 2022 K-12 SOL Conferences in English Language Arts Materials from the 2022 K-12 SOL

Conferences in English Language Arts are now available! K-12 SOL Conferences in English Language Arts utilize a train-the-trainer model to provide professional development that focuses on continued implementation of engaging instruction that aligns to the 2017 Standards of Learning and Curriculum Framework.

Virginia Literacy Act

With the passage of the Virginia Literacy Act (VLA) in the 2022 General Assembly, Virginia is taking the lead nationwide to improve early literacy outcomes for Virginia’s young learners. Through the VLA, the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) will support school divisions through a multi-year effort with tools, resources, technical assistance and funding.

Overview

The goals of the English Standards of Learning are to teach students to read and to prepare students to participate in society as literate citizens, equipped with the ability to communicate effectively in their communities, in the work place, and in postsecondary education. As students progress through the school years, they become active and involved listeners and develop a full command of the English language, evidenced by their use of standard English and their rich speaking and writing vocabularies.

Resources

For information on English, Reading & Literacy Resources for Instruction, Resources for Assessment, and Professional Learning, use the following buttons.