VALLSS

WHAT IS VALLSS?

The Virginia Language and Literacy Screening System (VALLSS) includes the VALLS assessment which is the Virginia Department of Education sponsored literacy screener for K-3. This system of screeners gives a snapshot of critical literacy skills at a single moment in time. It identifies students at risk for developing reading difficulties and provides instructionally useful information to target instruction.

The VALLS assessment is administered three times throughout the year in order to track student growth.  Student summary reports are used to determine students who may be in need of supplemental or intervention services.   If identified in the high-risk band, your child's school will prepare a Student Reading Plan that's tailored to help your child make progress in those areas identified on the screening assessment. Additional literacy instruction outlined in this plan may include time with a person or a program, or a combination of the two. Families are included in the development of this plan and help determine the goals set for their student based on a review of data and consultation with the school. Students in K-3 identified in the high-risk band on VALLS are required to have a Student Reading Plan


More information about this assessment can be found in the Virginia Literacy Partnerships (VLP) Information Sheets for Families linked below.

Literacy Screening in Virginia - What You Need to Know (English)

Literacy Screening in Virginia - What You Need to Know (Spanish)

WHAT DO VALLS K-3 SCORES TELL ME?

1.  If your child is at risk for developing reading difficulties.  After all subtests are administered, your child will receive an indication of an overall risk band.  These bands include: low, moderate, and high. 

2.  In what components of literacy your child needs further instruction.  Teachers use this information to plan instruction and intervention, to ensure students get what they need in order to catch up.

Parents play a very important role in helping children develop as readers by reading with them, talking about new experiences, and encouraging them to write, spell, and learn. Visit the Virginia Literacy Partnerships Resource for Families webpage for ideas to support literacy development at home.