Spring VALs results: York County reports lower high-risk rates than state averages and plans targeted literacy steps
June 08, 2026 | YORK CO PBLC SCHS, School Districts, Virginia
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Dr. Kristen Bolan, associate director of elementary instruction and academic programs, presented the spring administration results of the K'2 VALs (Virginia language and literacy screener) on June 8 and described how the division will use the data to shape instruction.
Bolan emphasized that the VALs benchmark bands increase through fall, midyear and spring administrations, meaning a student can make scaled-score gains yet move into a higher risk band because the cut-points rise. She illustrated that dynamic with a sample first-grade student who made measurable growth but shifted from the low- to moderate- and then the high-risk band as the benchmarks changed. "The assessment becomes more challenging throughout the year and the risk band ranges also increase within each screening window," she said.
For spring results the division reported high-risk percentages below state averages: kindergarten 10%, first grade 11% and second grade 13%. Bolan said the division's fall-to-spring charts show positive movement at K'2 overall, with notable gains in kindergarten and second grade, and that the division will use subtest-level indicators to craft individualized student reading plans and targeted interventions.
Bolan outlined planned next steps: timely reading interventions beginning at the start of the next school year based on subtest data; strengthening oral-reading and spelling instruction within the literacy block; implementing new Virginia Literacy Partnership (VLP) progress-monitoring tools expected next year; and providing site-based professional development for school teams. She noted an executive summary was available for board members showing school-level breakdowns.
Board members requested absolute student counts rather than only percentages. Bolan said the division tracks student-level movement and offered ballpark high-risk counts: around 60 kindergarteners, 70 first graders and 85 second graders currently identified as high risk; she said staff can provide a precise school-by-school listing.
Bolan said the division's interventions involve reading specialists, classroom teachers and families working together to implement student reading plans.
The board did not take formal action; members asked staff to provide more granular cohort and new-student breakdowns for future reporting.
Bolan emphasized that the VALs benchmark bands increase through fall, midyear and spring administrations, meaning a student can make scaled-score gains yet move into a higher risk band because the cut-points rise. She illustrated that dynamic with a sample first-grade student who made measurable growth but shifted from the low- to moderate- and then the high-risk band as the benchmarks changed. "The assessment becomes more challenging throughout the year and the risk band ranges also increase within each screening window," she said.
For spring results the division reported high-risk percentages below state averages: kindergarten 10%, first grade 11% and second grade 13%. Bolan said the division's fall-to-spring charts show positive movement at K'2 overall, with notable gains in kindergarten and second grade, and that the division will use subtest-level indicators to craft individualized student reading plans and targeted interventions.
Bolan outlined planned next steps: timely reading interventions beginning at the start of the next school year based on subtest data; strengthening oral-reading and spelling instruction within the literacy block; implementing new Virginia Literacy Partnership (VLP) progress-monitoring tools expected next year; and providing site-based professional development for school teams. She noted an executive summary was available for board members showing school-level breakdowns.
Board members requested absolute student counts rather than only percentages. Bolan said the division tracks student-level movement and offered ballpark high-risk counts: around 60 kindergarteners, 70 first graders and 85 second graders currently identified as high risk; she said staff can provide a precise school-by-school listing.
Bolan said the division's interventions involve reading specialists, classroom teachers and families working together to implement student reading plans.
The board did not take formal action; members asked staff to provide more granular cohort and new-student breakdowns for future reporting.
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