Wise County schools expand reading interventions, require VALLSS plans for grades 4–8

At the Aug. 11 meeting Superintendent Dr. Mike Goforth outlined several instructional steps aimed at improving reading outcomes and aligning curriculum with state standards. The division will require VLA/VALLSS testing and reading plans in grades 4–8 for students who failed the Standards of Learning (SOL) tests in the prior year or who had a Read Aloud accommodation. He said the district will continue VALLSS testing and reading plans for K–3 as in the prior year and that the Division Literacy Plan has been updated.

Goforth said the district hired reading interventionists for middle schools to provide targeted supports and purchased UFLI, a phonics program, for K–2 teachers. He also noted MathSpace is in use for grades 6–8 and Algebra I in middle schools and that the division is awaiting a K–5 math program that is fully aligned with state standards and on the state-approved list before adopting a new K–5 math curriculum.

The minutes record these program and staffing decisions but do not include student counts, estimated costs or a timeline for the adoption of the K–5 math program.