Evidence-Based Literacy Instruction
This fact sheet explains what evidence-based practices are and why they matter in schools. According to the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, an evidence-based practice is one that demonstrates positive effects on student outcomes through research with strong, moderate, or promising levels of evidence.
Tier 1 Differentiation with Carol McDonald Connor
Dr. Connor explains how teachers can group students according to learning needs during regular instruction, what school administrators can do to support teachers’ use of differentiated instruction in the classroom setting, and small group management.
Virginia Literacy Partnerships
These resources provide educators with Core Instruction guidelines, which detail the evidence-based, literacy curriculum to ensure students receive scientifically grounded reading instruction. The accompanying Admin Packages support school leaders with the necessary frameworks, data tools, and professional development plans to effectively implement, monitor, and manage this core curriculum across their districts.
Teaching and Learning Exploratory: High Leverage Practices
This resource introduces high-leverage teaching practices curated by TeachingWorks, offering tools and practice-based materials that support effective instruction across diverse learning environments.
VLP: Downloadable Instructional Resources
Instructional routines created by Virginia Literacy Partnerships that present evidence-based literacy instruction within the framework of a gradual-release model.
A Layered Approach to Supporting Students
A tiered support system that allows access to core instruction for ALL learners. Some learners need “more” to be able to access core instruction. Intervention and intensification serve as layers of support for this population of students.
Practice Guides shared by the Institute of Educational Sciences
Includes: Foundational Skills to Support Reading for Understanding in Kindergarten Through 3rd Grade, Improving Reading Comprehension in Kindergarten Through 3rd Grade, and Providing Reading Interventions for Students in Grades 4–9.
Teaching Comprehension and Writing
This collection features research-based practice guides from the Institute of Education Sciences’ What Works Clearinghouse (WWC). Each guide provides evidence-informed recommendations and classroom-ready strategies to support effective instruction in key areas of literacy development, including reading comprehension, instruction for English learners, and writing.
Intensive Intervention in Reading Course Content
This course provides a deep dive into intensive reading intervention using the data-based individualization (DBI) process, offering modules and resources to help educators strengthen supports for students with persistent reading challenges.
Intensifying Literacy Instruction
This document outlines research-supported practices designed to help educators and school leaders strengthen literacy instruction for a wide range of learners. It highlights essential strategies that should be central to professional development aimed at supporting students who need intensified literacy support to become skilled readers and writers.