English Language Arts
Vision
ACPS’ vision of Literacy Instruction is to foster enriching and inclusive literacy experiences for students by building a comprehensive, culturally sustaining PreK-12 literacy program that reflects our diverse community. To empower students to think critically and communicate effectively within and beyond the classroom.
Mission
ACPS’ literacy mission is to provide teachers and leaders with research-based and differentiated tools, knowledge, and resources for supporting students’ ongoing literacy growth. To engage students in diverse literacy learning experiences and opportunities that empower and inspire them to create change in their communities and the world.
Virginia Literacy Act
The Virginia Literacy Act, passed by the Virginia General Assembly in 2022 to improve literacy outcomes for Virginia’s learners, is now in full effect.
ACPS has been working to continuously improve its literacy instruction to align with the requirements of this legislation and the latest reading research—learn more at ACPS’ Virginia Literacy Act Webpage.
VALLSS
VALLSS, or the Virginia Language and Literacy Screening System, is a state-provided literacy screening tool used in Virginia to assess the literacy skills of students. It's designed to identify students who may be at risk of developing reading difficulties and to provide teachers with information to guide their instruction. VALLSS is utilized with all students in Grades K-2 and with identified students in Grades 3-8. More information about VALLSS subtests can be found here.
At-Home Literacy Learning Resources
The following collections of resources and strategies are available to help families support students' literacy development beyond the school day. Thank you for your partnership in your student's literacy development!
ACPS At-Home-Literacy Sites
VDOE Family Literacy Sites
Standards
The K-12 VDOE English Standards of Learning were revised in March 2024, to be enacted in School Year 2024-2025. They reflect the commitment to raise expectations and increase the rigor of education to align with the demands of the present and future world. They can be viewed at the Virginia Department of Education website.
Instructional Structures & Materials
Teachers utilize core, supplemental, and intervention literacy instructional resources that have been approved by the VDOE in alignment with requirements of the Virginia Literacy Act. At the elementary level, these include Bookworms Reading & Writing (K-5) and Really Great Reading (K-2). Literacy during the elementary instructional day consists of three instructional blocks:
- Core Reading Block
- ELA Writing/Reading Block
- IET Reading Block—Differentiated small-group intervention, enrichment and targeted instruction
Contact Us
Elementary Literacy Instructional Specialist—Dr. Carolyn Wooster, carolyn.wooster@acps.k12.va.us
K-12 Literacy Coordinator & Secondary Literacy Instructional Specialist- Ms. Kimberly Schell, kimberly.schell@acps.k12.va.us