The way students learn to read and write in Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) is based on Virginia's English Standards of Learning and the Virginia Literacy Act (VLA). We focus on the key skills that make up good reading, like:

• Phonological Awareness: Understanding how sounds work in words.
• Phonics: Learning the connection between letters and sounds.
• Fluency: Reading smoothly and with understanding.
• Vocabulary: Knowing the meaning of words.
• Comprehension: Understanding what you read.
• Writing: Putting your thoughts into words.
• Oral Language: Speaking and listening skills.

Teaching Methods

We know that learning to read and write is a complex process, so we use a wide range of methods to help students succeed. Teachers teach both how to recognize words and how to understand what they read. This approach helps students meet the learning goals set by the state and makes sure our teaching is based on the best research available.

Our teaching methods are based on research from different fields, like psychology, education, language, and how the brain works. We use a curriculum that focuses on big ideas and concepts. Teachers use these methods to help students learn:

• Grade-Level Curriculum: Students learn material that is expected for their grade level.
• Explicit Instruction: Teachers clearly explain new skills and concepts.
• Guided Practice: Students practice new skills with help from the teacher.
• Independent Practice: Students practice skills on their own.

FCPS students get direct instruction in all components of reading and writing during whole-group lessons. Students also have time to read and write on their own, while teachers work with small groups to give extra help or challenge them with more advanced work. Students also use computer-based programs like Lexia Core 5 (for grades K-5) and Lexia Power Up (for grades 6-8) to help students with their reading skills.

In grades K-6, FCPS uses a program called Benchmark Advance 2022. The instructional framework is built around knowledge strands that focus on one topic which runs across all grade levels. This allows students to build knowledge, language, and vocabulary across their entire elementary career. Topics of study are from social studies, science, and language arts. This program includes instruction in:

• Foundational Skills: Students learn about sounds in words, how to read and spell words, and how to use words in sentences.
• Language Comprehension: Students learn how to understand what they read by building their background knowledge, learning new words, and using different reading strategies.
• Writing: Students learn how to write by practicing their handwriting, grammar, and punctuation. They also learn how to organize their ideas and write different types of writing.

In grades 7-12, FCPS teachers use a variety of research-based methods to help students learn to read and write. They use a concept-based curriculum, which means that they teach students to think about the big ideas in what they are reading and writing.

Making Sure Every Student Succeeds

FCPS teachers use screening and growth assessments to see how students are doing and to decide what they need to learn next.  These tests include:

• Grade K-3: Virginia Language and Literacy Screening System (VALLSS)
• Grades 3-8: iReady
• Grades 9-12: MAP

FCPS also provides extra help for students who need it.  This includes:

• Differentiated Instruction: Teachers adjust their teaching to meet the needs of each student.
• Scaffolds and Supports: Teachers add in components to the lesson to provide more support for students who need it so they can access the lesson.
• Extensions: Teachers provide more challenging work for students who are ready for it.
• Intervention Blocks: Students who need extra help in reading or writing get extra time and support in small groups.
• Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS):  Teachers use a system to make sure that all students are getting the help they need through additional instruction beyond their language arts block.