As special educators across Virginia aim to meet the diverse needs of students, the intersection of high-leverage practices (HLPs) and legislative requirements is more important than ever. One critical alignment that stands out is High-Leverage Practice #1 – Collaboration, and its synergy with the Virginia Literacy Act (VLA).
This intersection can offer educators a framework for not only adhering to state laws but also improving educational outcomes for students with disabilities, particularly in the area of literacy. Collaboration, which is at the heart of special education, involves special educators working together with general educators, administrators, support staff, and families to meet the academic, behavioral, and social-emotional needs of students. It promotes open lines of communication, shared decision-making, and the development of instructional strategies that promote successful outcomes.
The Virginia Literacy Act brings about opportunities for a renewed collaborative focus, mandating that all students, including those with disabilities, are provided with evidence-based literacy instruction.
So, how exactly does HLP #1 map to VLA?
When examined closely, collaboration within the context of VLA offers a comprehensive approach to teaching students both with and without disabilities literacy skills.
Every teacher will use evidence-based literacy curriculum, assess student learning using approved literacy screeners, use student-level data to inform instruction and intervention, and participate in pre-service preparation or training on evidence-based literacy instruction.
-Virginia Literacy Act
Here are some ideas on how special education collaboration directly aligns with and supports the goals of the Virginia Literacy Act:
By fostering collaboration among educators and adhering to the requirements of the VLA, Virginia’s schools can ensure that EVERY student receives the support they need to become proficient readers. Special educators play a crucial role in this effort – and by actively seeking out collaborative opportunities, they can help promote literacy success for students with disabilities!
