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Virginia Literacy Act

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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.

Beginning in the 2024-2025 school year:

  • Every student in kindergarten to grade five will receive core literacy instruction based in scientifically based reading research and evidence-based literacy instruction, as defined in the VLA. Students in kindergarten through grade eight 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 screeners, 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 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.

The resources below provide more information about the VLA, and what divisions can do to prepare.

Updates from VDOE

Virginia Literacy Updates

VALLSS Assessment Calendar

Student Reading Plans

Division Literacy Plans

Approved Instructional Programs

Curriculum Review Resources

Literacy Implementation Network Sessions

To support school divisions as they are making instructional shifts to the VLA and to facilitate the process of the DLP development, VDOE has offered a monthly Literacy Network Implementation Series. Additionally, the VLA Implementation Playbook was released on March 14, 2024 through the Virginia Education Update. The VLA Implementation Playbook is designed to meet every school division where they are in the process of division literacy planning and will aid in providing a roadmap for a successful 2024-2025 school year. A summary of the Literacy Network Implementation Series is below.

Session 1

February 2024

Launching Our Work and Building

Investment in a Literacy Vision

Session 1 PPT

Session 2

March 2024

Effective Leadership during Adoption

and Early Implementation of HQIM

Session 2 PPT

HQIM Guidance for VA Divisions

Session 3

April 2024

Establishing the Conditions for Successful HQIM Implementation

Session 3 PPT

Technical Conditions for Successful VLA and HQIM Implementation Chart

VDOE HQIM Playbook

Session 4

Late April – May

2024

Deepening Support for Teachers: Professional Learning and

Collaborative Planning

Session 4 PPT

Virginia Literacy Act Advisory Work Group

The role of the Virginia Literacy Act (VLA) Advisory Work Group will be to regularly review and advise the Department on programs, systems and regulations related to the VLA and related efforts. The VLA Advisory Work Group is anticipated to conclude in December 2024. 

Resources and Explainers

Webinars and Presentations

Superintendent's Memos