Elementary Literacy Vision, Values, and Beliefs

To provide every student with high-quality, evidence-based literacy instruction necessary to become life-long readers, writers, and communicators, while maintaining our uncompromising dedication to deeper learning as outlined in the LCPS Profile of a Graduate.

We Value...

• Fostering the joy of reading and writing in each student;
• Promoting strong reading achievement and measurable growth for all students;
• Honoring the diverse cultural and linguistic experiences each student brings;
• Personalizing literacy instruction supported by data-driven decisions; and
• Providing ongoing professional development that builds capacity and consistency across our staff so that we remain current with research-based practices and ensure equitable literacy instruction for all our students.

We Believe...

• All students can and will learn to read when provided with appropriate support;
• Families are partners in our students’ ongoing literacy development;
• The five critical competencies–critical thinking, communicating, collaborating, contributing, and creating–should be nurtured in our students throughout their academic experiences. 
• Oral language and communication skills play an important role in literacy development; and
• Accessible materials that support cross-curricular learning should be integrated into the student learning experiences and reflect the diversity of our community.

https://www.lcps.org/Page/221803

https://www.lcps.org/Page/245722

The Reading League

The Reading League works with school systems across the country to ensure all educators have the knowledge and skills they need to reach every student with reading instruction that works.

• Under the Resources tab, parents will find resources (YouTube channels, recommended reading, podcasts, etc.) to strengthen their understanding of the Science of Reading and evidence-based instruction. 
• The Virginia Reading League has specific state resources that provide additional information and learning.

PALS Phonological Awareness Literacy Screening

Developed at the University of Virginia, this screening is given in school divisions across Virginia and the country. This link provides important resources for families to use at home.

The National Center on Improving Literacy (NCIL)

NCIL is a partnership among literacy experts, university researchers, and technical assistance providers. Their Resource Repository can be filtered by the audience “parents & families” and topic to search for specific resources.

Virginia Department of Education

Literacy resources for families and communities are provided by the VDOE.

@PathwaysLCPS

The links below will take you to recommended lists of suggested summer reading for students. These books were selected and recommended by student readers, teachers, and librarians. Each title is followed by a description of the book so that students and their parents can make informed choices about which books to read for pleasure this summer.