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District expands VALS screening to grades 4–8 in updated literacy plan
Summary
Trustees approved updates to the division literacy plan that expand VALS screening to grades 4–8, maintain core curricula (HMH), and retain interventions such as Lexia and Orton-Gillingham; administrators stressed professional development and monitoring strategies.
District leaders presented required updates to the Westmoreland division literacy plan, noting the primary change is expanding VALS screening to include grades 4 through 8. The update preserves core curricula (HMH Interreading) and supplemental and intervention programs (EPS MegaWords, iXlELA, Lexia Core5 and PowerUp, Orton-Gillingham) and outlines training expectations for staff and administrators. Presenters emphasized progress on required BLP training completion among administrators and teachers and said updated progress monitoring will include class walkthroughs, collaborative planning sessions and principals' meetings.
The board discussed assessment diagnosticity, with Dr. Daniel Wallace asking whether VALS provides sufficient diagnostic information. Administrators said VALS offers subtests that aid intervention targeting, while acknowledging earlier screeners such as PALS provided different depth for level-setting. Trustees encouraged administrators to request additional tools if evidence shows need.
Daniel Wallace moved to approve the updated division literacy plan; Amy Richards seconded and the board approved the plan by voice vote.
