VALLSS: 4-8

The Virginia Language and Literacy Screening System (VALLSS) 4-8 is used to identify relative strengths and weaknesses in specific literacy skill areas, including both code-based and language comprehension skills. VALLSS: 4-8 is designed to provide a better understanding of why students are experiencing difficulty, which can be used to guide instruction for improved reading outcomes.

Students who receive either a Fail/Basic or Fail/Below Basic on the SOL will participate in VALLSS: 4-8. Students who pass the SOL with an audio or read aloud accommodation on the English SOL will also participate in VALLSS: 4-8. VALLSS 4-8 will be given twice a year: Fall and Mid-Year. Students with Fail/Basic or Fail/Below Basic SOL scores will take VALLSS: 4-8 at both administration windows.

Similar to VALLSS: K-3, VALLSS: 4-8 will have both code-based and language subtests. Some subtests will be required, while others will be optional. Some subtests can be administered in a small group, and others must be administered 1:1.

Students who fail the SOL with a Fail/Basic or Fail/Below Basic score will be required to have a Student Reading Plan outlining appropriate interventions. Students who pass the English SOL with an audio or read-aloud accommodation may receive a Student Reading Plan based on a body of evidence, including data from VALLSS: 4-8.

For each subtest, students receive one of three mastery levels based on the percentage of correct items: Well-Below, Approaching, and Adequate. For required and conditional subtests, scores in the Well-Below range will receive a flag, noted with an asterisk (*). Similarly, Oral Reading Fluency (ORF) scores at or below the conditional cut off will be noted with an asterisk.