Hopewell City Public Schools

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
  • will 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
  • 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
  •  will assess student learning using approved literacy screeners
  • will use student-level data to inform instruction and intervention
  • will 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
  • will help develop and monitor student progress on student reading plans
  • will work closely with families and teachers.
• Every division:
  •  will develop a literacy plan
  • will ensure the use of evidence-based literacy curriculum
  • will staff enough reading specialists to support intervention needs
  • will provide professional development to support teachers, reading specialists, and principals