Literacy
What is Literacy?
Literacy primarily refers to the ability to read and write. However, an expanded definition of literacy also carries additional significance. Some examples depicting the broader range of literacy include: Academic literacy, Computer literacy, Cultural literacy, Economic literacy, Functional literacy, Media literacy and Workplace literacy.
Literacy Instruction
The goal of literacy instruction in Virginia is to ensure that all children have the necessary skills to become successful readers, writers, speakers, and listeners with the critical thinking skills that are required to be successful as they progress and transition through the stages of their lives.
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.
Literacy Resources for Families and Communities
Find resources to support literacy and learning at home.
- Family Literacy Webinars engages families and communities in fostering a love for literacy with a variety of informative sessions hosted by VDOE specialists and coordinators as well as educators and community groups from across the Commonwealth.
- Literacy Resources for Families and Communities contains a few of the many general online resources that are free to teachers, parents, and students.
Literacy Resources
Comprehensive Literacy Webinar Series
The Comprehensive Literacy Webinar Series focuses on best practices in literacy instruction and resources available to school divisions. Through the diverse expertise of our partners and presenters, the Virginia Department of Education's goal is to offer timely, research-based, and instructionally sound sessions to Virginia educators.
Birth Through Grade Five Literacy
Literacy begins at the very earliest stages of development. As infants and toddlers gradually become aware of language they soon begin to take steps to interact with it. These experiences form the basis of future literacy learning.
Outside Links
- Center for Early Literacy Learning (CELL) – A Web site providing evidence-based early literacy learning resources.
- National Center for Family Literacy – A national organization supporting family literacy.
- Public Broadcasting Service: PBS KIDS – Provides online games for children that promote literacy and reading.
- Virginia Early Childhood Foundation – A network of locally operated coalitions that are working to improve the quality of care and education for children from birth until kindergarten.
- Virginia Head Start – Provides advocacy, training, and support for individual members, member agencies, partners, and others who impact the lives of children and families
Literacy for Special Populations
Some aspects of literacy learning may pose particular challenges to students with diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds, as well as those with special needs. Information to support these students in literacy is provided below.
Resources
- English as a Second Language Standards, Assessments & Resources-Coming Soon
- Special Education-Coming Soon
Outside Links
- Assessing Comprehension & Communication in English State-to-State for English Language Learners (ACCESS for ELLs). English language proficiency test developed to meet requirements of federal testing and reporting of English proficiency.
- Department for the Blind and Vision Impaired – A resource for eligible individuals to obtain free library services as well as for schools to obtain instructional materials for use with blind and visually impaired students.
- Top 10 Resources on Dyslexia – A collection of resources to better understand this reading disability.
Standards of Learning Documents for English
Progression Charts for Reading, Writing, Grammar & Research
The Standards of Learning Progression Charts for reading, writing, grammar, and research identify the grade level at which specific skills are formally introduced in the 2010 English Standards of Learning. The progression charts provide a visual representation of the grade level at which a student should have formal instruction on specific skills. Not all skills in the English Standards of Learning are represented in these charts nor are the skill progression charts a replacement for the English Standards of Learning or the English Standards of Learning Curriculum Framework.