The blog
Reading news, translated for parents
Virginia rewrote its reading laws, its tests, and its screeners in the space of a few years. We read the policy documents so you can read the bedtime story. Everything here is sourced and written in plain language.
At home · July 19, 2026
Summer Slide Is Real. How Roanoke Families Protect a Year of Reading Gains
Virginia's 2025 gains came against a harder passing bar. A practical plan for keeping reading skills warm from June to August, without ruining summer.
4 minute read
Local schools · July 13, 2026
Roanoke County Ranks Top 10 in Reading. One Number Has Not Moved in Three Years
RCPS posted an 84% reading pass rate in 2025. Its 3rd grade rate has stayed flat for three straight years. Why early gaps hide inside good averages.
5 minute read
Test scores · July 6, 2026
What Virginia's 2025 SOL Reading Scores Mean for Roanoke Valley Families
Virginia's reading pass rate hit 74% in 2025. Roanoke County tied for 7th. Roanoke City sat well below average. Here is how to read the numbers as a parent.
5 minute read
Screening · June 29, 2026
Your Child Got a VALLSS High Risk Flag. What It Actually Means
Every Virginia K to 8 student now takes the VALLSS screener. A plain language guide to the result letter, the Student Reading Plan, and your options.
6 minute read
Virginia law · June 22, 2026
The Virginia Literacy Act Now Covers Grades 4 to 8. Here Is What Changed
Starting with the 2025 to 2026 school year, Virginia's reading screening law reaches through 8th grade. What the expansion means for your child's school year.
5 minute read
National news · June 15, 2026
The Nation Just Posted Its First Reading Gain Since 2004. Should Roanoke Parents Relax?
NAEP's 2025 long term trend showed 9 year olds up four points in reading. Why a recovering national average says nothing about your child.
4 minute read
Tired of reading about reading?
One assessment tells you about your child, not the averages.