(The Center Square) – Virginia is rolling out three new literacy programs to help struggling students improve their reading and writing skills, focusing on English learners, students with disabilities and schools needing extra support.
The programs, which began in the 2024-25 school year, aim to provide better teacher training, evidence-based instruction and targeted resources.
State officials say the programs are necessary due to widespread learning gaps, but new data suggests the issue may be even worse than previously thought.
Despite Virginia reporting high proficiency rates on state tests, national assessments reveal many students lack basic mastery of reading and math skills.
Virginia Standards of Learning tests label students as ‘proficient’ at a much higher rate than the National Assessment of Educational Progress, a nationwide benchmark.
In 2024, 73% of Virginia’s fourth graders were considered proficient in reading in SOL tests, but only 31% of those same students met proficiency standards on NAEP.
Among eighth graders, only 29% were proficient in both reading and math on NAEP.
The gaps between state-reported proficiency and national assessments indicate that Virginia’s standards may not fully reflect students’ academic challenges.
The Virginia Literacy Act passed in 2022, was meant to improve early reading instruction. These new literacy programs are part of the commonwealth’s broader effort to close the gap between state-reported proficiency and real-world academic performance.
“Virginia remains committed to ensuring every child in every school receives a strong, coherent literacy education,” said Superintendent of Public Instruction Lisa Coons in a statement.
The Comprehensive Literacy Network will help 43 schools by training teachers, tracking student progress and improving instruction based on data analysis. It is possible to add more schools in the future.
“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.
Participating School Divisions:
Comprehensive Literacy Network: Frederick, Dinwiddie, Buckingham, Waynesboro, Petersburg, Lynchburg, Roanoke, Norfolk and Orange County.English Learner Literacy Network: Accomack, Albemarle, Arlington, Caroline, Danville, Franklin, Hampton, King William, Lynchburg, Norfolk, Prince George, Pulaski, Richmond, Roanoke and Spotsylvania counties.Students with Disabilities Literacy Network: Caroline, Cumberland, Danville, King William, Lynchburg, Manassas Park, Norfolk, Northampton, Nottoway, Page, Portsmouth, Prince Edward, Richmond, Roanoke, Scott, Spotsylvania and Suffolk counties.
The English Learner Literacy Network will use research-based teaching methods to help 30 schools strengthen reading instruction for students learning English.
The Students with Disabilities Literacy Network will focus on improving literacy outcomes for students with disabilities by offering specialized teaching strategies.
The programs are primarily funded by a $30 million federal grant awarded to the Virginia Department of Education to support needy schools. The commonwealth has also allocated $418 million toward expanding the Virginia Literacy Act, increasing high-dosage academic turn and addressing chronic absenteeism.
“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.
The programs launched in 2025 and will continue through the summer for the Special Education Network and the English Learner Network. The Comprehensive Literacy Network extends through the 2025-26 school year.
