Curriculum Review Process for the Virginia Literacy Act
The Virginia Literacy Act (VLA) seeks to improve K-5 literacy outcomes for all students in the Commonwealth. The VLA requires the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) to recommend instructional programs in literacy – including K-5 core, K-8 supplemental, and K-8 intervention materials – that are aligned with the eligibility criteria of VLA, namely evidence-based literacy instruction and science-based reading research for approval by the Virginia Board of Education (VBOE). The VBOE approved an initial list of K-3 core instructional materials in June 2023 and updated the list to include K-5 core instructional materials in December 2023.
The VDOE has partnered with the Virginia Literacy Partnerships (VLP) in the School of Education and Human Development at University of Virginia to conduct the instructional material reviews. Reviews are being conducted by Virginia educators including administrators, reading specialists, and teachers. This second cycle of review of core instructional programs includes grades K-5.
The Core Instructional Program Review consists of these two phases:
- Phase I: Initial Review for alignment to features of evidence-based core instructional reading programs, as required by the VLA.
- Phase II: In-depth Program Review for detailed alignment to evidence-based literacy instructional practices for teaching essential early literacy skills, by grade level, as required by the VLA.
For information regarding this review process please refer to Virginia Literacy Act - Instructional Program Review | Virginia Literacy Partnerships.
Blank Template
- Blank Core Curriculum Review Rubric - This form may be used during the local adoption process.