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English, Reading, & Literacy

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News & Announcements

High-Quality Textbook and Instructional Materials Webinar Series

The Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) hosted a webinar series designed to assist divisions with the selection, adoption, and implementation of High-Quality Instructional Materials. This initiative directly supports the mandate set forth by the General Assembly's passage of HB2777 in 2025, which formally defines High-Quality Textbooks and Instructional Materials and specifies its use as the foundational curriculum basis for all elementary and secondary instruction. This legislation requires:
(i) each local school board to adopt and implement textbooks and other high-quality instructional materials in English language arts for grades six through 12 and mathematics, science, and history and social studies for grades kindergarten through 12, and;
(ii) each education preparation program offered by a public institution of higher education or private institution of higher education or alternative certification program that provides training for any student seeking initial licensure by the Board of Education with certain endorsements to include a program of coursework and clinical experience and require all such students to demonstrate mastery in identifying and implementing textbooks and other high-quality instructional materials.

Secondary Textbook Approval  

On December 3, 2024, Secondary (6-12) English textbooks were submitted for review by the Virginia Department of Education and approved by the Board of Education.  This process is separate from the legislation set forth in the Virginia Literacy Act, which requires local school boards to adopt core curriculum from the Board approved list for Grade K-5.  More information and list of Board of Education Approved 6-12 English Textbook can be accessed here. 

2024 English Standards of Learning

The Virginia Board of Education approved the 2024 English Standards of Learning at their March 28, 2024, business meeting. For additional resources refer to the 2024 English Standards of Learning webpage. 

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.  The VLA requires every division to develop a literacy plan and ensure the use of evidence-based literacy curriculum. Additional information can be found on the Virginia Literacy Act webpage. 

Overview

With a commitment to raise expectations and increase rigor, the 2024 English Standards of Learning align with the demands of the present and future world. As students progress, they will be exposed to increasing text complexity in successive years of schooling. Coupled with grade-specific reading standards that require increasing sophistication in students’ reading comprehension, the standards approach the intertwined issues of the what and the how of student reading.  

The Standards outline explicit instruction, which involves directly explaining concepts, consistent feedback, and support to achieve mastery. Virginia learners benefit from explicit and systematic instruction in all areas of literacy including phonological and phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, comprehension, and writing. 

Virginia learners should be equipped with the ability to communicate their thoughts, actively participate civically, and demonstrate the ability to work within diverse teams and collaborative groups to be life ready in the workplace or post-secondary education.  

Resources

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