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 Lisa Coons, Ed.D.| Superintendent of Public Instruction
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Virginia Department of Education Announces Three New Network Supports to Expand Literacy Efforts for Students Most in Need
Richmond, Va. – To continue the momentum around evidence-based literacy instruction and ensure sustained, effective implementation for years to come, the Virginia Department of Education is extending and expanding literacy efforts in divisions and student groups with the most need. Through funding received from the federal Comprehensive Literacy State Development grant, VDOE has created the 2024-25 Literacy Grant to provide additional support through English Learner and Students with Disabilities networks to ensure schools have the structures, tools, capacity, and resources to increase literacy growth and achievement for all students. Additional state and federal funds allowed for another opportunity for schools to be a part of a comprehensive network to address multiple student group needs.
"Virginia remains committed to ensuring every child in every school receives a strong, coherent literacy education," said Superintendent of Public Instruction Lisa Coons. "These Literacy Networks will provide tools, resources, and assistance for educators in over 100 schools across 30 divisions in Virginia and focus on supporting student groups most in need. So far, we have received positive feedback and response from our school division partners and look forward to the progress that will continue to be made through these networks."
The following networks will serve 30 school divisions throughout Virginia: the Comprehensive Literacy Network, English Learner Literacy Network, and the Students with Disabilities Literacy Network.
The Comprehensive Literacy Network creates a new network of 43 schools working together to implement evidence-based literacy practices as outlined in the Virginia Literacy Act (VLA), giving participating divisions access to strategic, individualized support from a national non-profit—TNTP-- that has significant experience managing change efforts that accompany the adoption and implementation of high-quality instructional materials. Each division will have a specific scope of work to prioritize needs for their selected schools. Additionally, they will receive weekly support with literacy staff at each location (bi-weekly with a larger group), which includes:
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Walkthrough data collection.
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Collecting and analyzing student work samples.
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Diving deep into walkthrough and student work data with division leaders to craft professional learning strategy for rest of the school year.
The second year will include in-person convenings and an opportunity to expand the network into an additional ten divisions across the Commonwealth.
School divisions participating in the Comprehensive Literacy Network include:
"After participating in the initial walkthroughs, Waynesboro Public Schools looks forward to collaborating to support the implementation of the Virginia Literacy Act and our adopted curriculum. Our teachers have been dedicated to the science of reading, and it is clear, that together, we are committed to deepening that understanding, ensuring the successful implementation of high-quality instructional materials, and ultimately driving student success throughout our community,” said Jennifer Strum, Director of Elementary Instruction for Waynesboro Public Schools.
In partnership with The Hunt Institute, the English Learner Literacy Network supports 30 schools in creating and executing an action plan for increased student achievement and graduation rates and building capacity of best instructional practices for English Learners. This network includes:
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Three, in-person EL Literacy Network convenings to support leaders in evidence-based reading research, what high quality curriculum implementation looks like, the impact of structured literacy on English Learners, change management processes in a school setting, and how to provide feedback using the VDOE walkthrough tool.
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Technical assistance on creating and executing a school action plan to increase growth and achievement, graduation rates, and instructional capacity for English learners which includes support sessions, reading specialist training, literacy block planning and structures, and in-person coaching days.
School divisions in the English Learner Literacy Network include:
“The English Learner Literacy Network provides a valuable opportunity to reflect on our division’s efforts and engage in meaningful discussions using the think sheet and school data. I especially appreciated the introduction of the walkthrough tool and the thoughtful dialogue around its potential impact in supporting our students who are English learners,” said Terrie Haley, Director of Elementary Education for Caroline County Public Schools.
Membership in the Students with Disabilities Literacy Network offers a comprehensive structure to support school and division leaders from 30 schools through dedicated resources, professional development, and peer collaboration. In partnership with New Solutions K-12, the Students with Disabilities Literacy Network focuses on creating and executing an action plan for increased student achievement and building capacity of best instructional practices for students with disabilities, including:
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In-person convenings to support leaders in evidence-based reading research, inclusionary practices focusing on the effective use of high-quality curriculum, staffing and scheduling to meet the needs of students, addressing individual needs in lesson preparation, and how to provide feedback using the VDOE walkthrough tool.
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Technical assistance on creating and executing a school action plan to increase growth and achievement and instructional capacity for students with disabilities which includes virtual network sessions, training on the roles and responsibilities of special educators, a library of resources and research, monthly one-on-one calls, and in-person coaching days.
School divisions participating in the Students with Disabilities Literacy Network include:
“Being part of the Virginia Students with Disabilities Literacy Network has already provided Nottoway County Public Schools with a valuable opportunity to examine and refine our instructional practices to improve learning outcomes for all students. Our work in this initiative reinforces the necessity of strong core instructional practices, ensuring that all students—especially those with disabilities—receive high-quality instruction without being pulled from essential class time for support. By emphasizing additional time for learning, rather than replacement, and ensuring that students have access to strong content teachers, we can create a more inclusive and effective learning environment. Through this network, our school division is committed to strengthening not only our participating school approach but our district-wide approach to literacy and core instructional practices,” said Marcia Martin, Assistant Superintendent for Nottoway County Public Schools.
Network support began in 2025 and will continue through the summer for both the Special Education Network and the English Learner Network. The Comprehensive Literacy Network will extend through the 2025-26 school year.
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