Action:
Fast-Track Regulatory Action to Implement Provisions of the Virginia Literacy Act (VLA) for the Reading Specialist Endorsement
Action 6965
General Information
| Action Summary |
The Virginia Literacy Act (VLA) introduced requirements to improve literacy outcomes for students across the Commonwealth. Public schools are actively implementing VLA requirements. Revisions are needed to Reading Specialist Endorsement regulation to align with requirements defined by the VLA.
Work groups were convened during the summer of 2025 to recommend updates to the Reading Specialist Endorsement. In the fall, the Advisory Board on Teacher Education and Licensure (ABTEL) recommended that the proposed changes to the Reading Specialist Endorsement be presented to the Board of Education. The regulations for Reading Specialist were revised through the same process as the other endorsement areas (early childhood, elementary education, middle, or special education) included in VLA, which have all been amended to address the requirements for evidence-based literacy and high-quality instructional materials.
Chapter 757 of the 2022 Acts of the Assembly Special Session 1 directs the Board of Education to require, pursuant to regulation, each education preparation program offered by a public institution of higher education or private institution of higher education that provides training for candidates seeking endorsement in Reading Specialist by the Board shall include a program of coursework and require all such students to demonstrate mastery in science-based reading research and evidence-based literacy instruction. This proposed regulatory action is necessary to align with the VLA. |
| Chapters Affected |
Only affects this chapter.
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| Executive Branch Review |
This action will go through the normal Executive Branch Review process.
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| RIS Project |
Yes [8571] |
| Associated Mandates |
Higher educational institutions; education preparation programs, coursework, audit.
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| New Periodic Review |
This action will not be used to conduct a new periodic review.
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Stages
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Contact Information
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Name / Title:
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Mrs. Tara McDaniel
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Director of Teacher Education
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Address:
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101 N. 14th Strert
Richmond, VA 23219
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Email Address:
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tara.mcdaniel@doe.virginia.gov
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Phone:
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(804)371-2475
FAX: ()-
TDD: ()-
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This person is the primary contact for this chapter.
