The Virginia Literacy Act (VLA) aims to improve early literacy outcomes for Virginia's youngest learners.The Governor and the General Assembly have made additional investments in early reading to ensure divisions have the resources they need, and the Virginia Department of Education will continue to partner with school divisions, educators and families on this multi-year effort.
OCPS Literacy Plan
View the division's Literacy Plan.
Literacy Contacts
Learn who the division's Literacy Contacts are and what they do.
Parent Resources
Additional support for parents and guardians.
The VLA goes into effect in the 2024-2025 school year and it will ensure that:
Every Student in kindergarten through grade 3 will receive core literacy instruction from an evidence-based curriculum for the entire literacy block, and additional evidence-based instruction and intervention, as outlined in a student reading plan, if they do not meet literacy benchmarks.
Every Family
has access to free online evidence-based literacy instruction resources to support their child's literacy development at home, and can participate in the development of their child's student reading plan, if they do not meet literacy benchmarks.
Every Teacher
uses evidence-based literacy curriculum for the entire literacy block; assesses student learning using approved literacy screeners routinely throughout the year; uses student-level data to inform both whole group instruction and individualized instruction and intervention; and, is provided with pre-service preparation and/or in-service training in evidence-based literacy instruction.
Every Reading Specialist
coordinates and implements intervention services for student not meeting literacy benchmarks, and develops, oversees implementation of, and monitors student progress on student reading plans, in collaboration with teachers and families.
Every Division
develops a division-wide literacy plan; ensures all kindergarten through grade 3 teachers have and use evidence-based literacy curriculum; staff at least on reading specialist for every 550 students in kindergarten through grade 3; provides professional development in evidence-based literacy instruction to teachers, reading specialists and principals; and, receives coaching and support from regional literacy coaches.