Literacy at NNPS
6-12 English Instruction
The NNPS Secondary English curriculum utilizes evidence-based literacy instructional practices aligned to the science of reading to foster student growth towards and achievement of the Virginia Standards of Learning in sixth through twelfth grade.
Curriculum
Our 6-12 curriculum is aligned to the 2024 Virginia Standards of Learning.
Each grade-level's curriculum includes 8 or 9 rigorous instructional units that utilize grade level texts to develop literacy skills and build students' knowledge across a variety of topics.
Instruction
High-Quality Instructional Materials
The Virginia Literacy Act requires each school division to provide evidence-based literacy instruction aligned with science-based reading research using approved high-quality instructional materials. NNPS has adopted the following core and supplemental instructional materials to meet this requirement:
Supplemental Instruction
Newsela
In sixth through twelfth grade, teachers can supplement texts used within the units with additional reading material from Newsela's library. This resource provides high-quality texts from various genres and themes offered at multiple Lexile levels, which encourages differentiated instruction.
Assessment
NNPS utilizes a balanced assessment model in order to collect data to set student goals and determine specific and targeted next steps to accelerate learning. Each grade-level model includes state approved diagnostic and summative assessments.
Local Performance Assessments
On September 20, 2018, the Virginia Board of Education approved Guidelines for the Use of Local Performance Assessments to verify credit in End-of-Course Writing. The Standards of Accreditation (8VAC20-131-110B5) permit local school divisions to award a verified credit in writing to a student who "meets the criteria for the receipt of a verified credit in English (writing) by demonstrating mastery of the content of the associated course on an authentic performance assessment, that complies with guidelines adopted by the board.”
Some additional details about this process:
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Performance assessments generally require students to perform a task or create a product that is scored using a rubric.
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Performance assessments used to award verified credits must be evaluated using the Virginia Quality Criterion Tool for Performance-Based Assessments. These will include three types of writing covered in English, grades 9-11: persuasive, analytical, and argumentative. At least one of the writing samples must include a research component.
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Each year, the student’s performance assessment will be scored using rubric from the Virginia Department of Education.
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Families will be notified of the student’s academic performance after each sample is collected and scored.
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The school division will review the body of evidence (all three performance assessments) in grade 11 and determine if a student’s achievement is advanced, proficient, or doesn’t meet the standard (fail).
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Students who score proficient or advanced on the body of evidence will be awarded a verified credit. Students who do not receive credit through the LPA process will have additional opportunities to receive the verified credit.
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This communication from NNPS outlines the Local Performance Process in greater details, as well as additional details on how the verified credit is awarded.
Additional information from the district and English teachers will be forthcoming. Please contact the NNPS Testing Office with any questions.
Intervention
Data is monitored and analyzed frequently to identify students who may need additional instruction to meet grade-level expectations. Targeted instruction is provided to identified students in small groups using approved programs. This instruction can be provided by a classroom teacher, interventionist, reading specialist, trained instructional assistant or tutor, computer program, or any combination of providers.
High-Quality Instructional Materials
The Virginia Literacy Act requires each school division to provide evidence-based literacy instruction aligned with science-based reading research using approved high-quality instructional materials. NNPS has adopted the following intervention programs to meet this requirement:
Intervention
Lexia PowerUp Literacy
Lexia PowerUp Literacy is an online reading program designed for students in grades 6–8 who need extra support in becoming stronger, more confident readers. PowerUp meets students right where they are—whether they're building foundational skills, working on vocabulary, or practicing reading comprehension. The program adapts to each student's needs, providing personalized practice that feels both achievable and challenging. Learn more about Lexia PowerUp Literacy.
Virginia Language and Literacy Screener (VALLSS)
The Virginia Language and Literacy Screener (VALLSS) is a state-required assessment given to students in grades 4–8. VALLSS is designed to identify students' strengths and areas of need in reading and literacy. This information helps teachers provide the right level of support to ensure all students continue to grow as readers. Learn more about VALLSS.
