Project: Educator Data Use: Virginia Language & Literacy Screening System

Researchers used a mixed-methods approach to explore aspects of planning, adoption, and initial implementation of a state-wide literacy and language screener, the Virginia Language & Literacy Screening System. The research team collected data through surveys and focus groups. The team explored teachers’ use of the screening system, including how they used it to identify children who may be at risk for Specific Learning Disabilities (SLD)- word reading and SLD- reading comprehension, and the perceived value of a multi-component screening battery to make relevant instructional decisions. The researchers purposefully sampled educators for inclusion into focus groups to ensure geographical and contextual representation. The purpose of the work was to understand the roll out of the screener at scale, and the barriers and facilitators to educators’ use of screening data to make instructional decisions.