Academics
Literacy & Reading
The traditional definition of literacy is considered to be the ability to read and write, or the ability to use language to read, write, listen and speak. In modern contexts, the word refers to reading and writing at a level adequate for communication, or at a level that lets one understand and communicate ideas in a literate society, so as to take part in that society. The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has drafted the following definition: "‘Literacy’ is the ability to identify, understand, interpret, create, communicate, compute and use printed and written materials associated with varying contexts. Literacy involves a continuum of learning to enable an individual to achieve his or her goals, to develop his or her knowledge and potential, and to participate fully in the wider society." Oftentimes, students with disabilities struggle with this area and an effort must be made to enhance their reading skills and abilities.
Resources
- VDOE Elementary English Instruction
- Early Intervention Reading Initiative (EIRI) – Provides intervention services to K-3 students who demonstrate reading deficiencies on the Phonological and Literacy Screening (PALS) assessment.
- Virginia Reads (PDF) – Parent brochure highlighting preschool Foundation Blocks for Early Learning and the K-5 English Standards of Learning with suggestions for assisting children in achieving these school-readiness and reading standards.
- VDOE Middle School English Instruction
- Wordsalive Vocabulary Acquisition Model for Virginia – Research-based graphic organizer designed to enable students to learn content vocabulary.
- Interactive Reading – Combines a graphic organizer with researched-based reading comprehension strategies. It provides a framework for reading lessons that support students prior to reading, during reading, and after reading across the curriculum.
- Middle School Reading Modules in Support of Project Graduation (PDF) – More than 70 one-hour lesson plans to enhance the teaching of reading. Aligned to the 2002 English Standards of Learning and supporting the teaching of fiction, nonfiction and poetry.
- VDOE High School English Instruction
- Project Graduation Reading Tutorial – Identifies student academic needs with an online pretest and provides tailored Web-based lessons to meet those needs.
Outside Resources
- National Center for Learning Disabilities (NCLD) – Provides you with wealth of resources on reading, including important research findings, helpful guidelines for parents, beneficial early literacy interventions and teacher-training for the successful instruction of learners at all ages.
- International Dyslexia Association – Helps individuals with dyslexia, their families and the communities that support them.