Reading Literacy Resources
Understanding Reading and Literacy
The gold standard for parent and teacher reading resources. Packed with research-based articles, videos, and practical strategies for every stage of reading development. This should be at the top of your list — it's comprehensive, credible, and endlessly useful.
The Reading League — Families & Caregivers Page
This is a newer but highly respected organization focused on the science of reading. Their family page translates complex research into plain English and empowers parents to advocate for their children.
One of the most parent-friendly resources on the internet for learning and attention differences, including dyslexia, ADHD, and IEPs. Articles, videos, and tools are written for everyday families, not specialists.
Dyslexia
International Dyslexia Association (IDA)
The most authoritative resource on dyslexia, including the newly updated 2025 definition. Offers fact sheets, research summaries, and a directory to find specialists and tutors. Essential for any parent who suspects dyslexia.
The Virginia chapter of the IDA offers local resources, events, and links specifically for Virginia families navigating dyslexia in the public school system.
A grassroots parent-led advocacy organization specifically for Virginia families. Focused on improving dyslexia education in Virginia public schools. Excellent for parents who want to understand their rights and connect with other families in the state.
Yale Center for Dyslexia & Creativity
Led by renowned dyslexia researcher Dr. Sally Shaywitz, this site offers accessible information about the science of dyslexia alongside inspiring stories of dyslexic individuals who have thrived.
Parent Educational Advocacy Training Center
Located in Warrenton, Virginia, this nonprofit organization has a mission to Building positive futures for Virginia's children by working collaboratively with families, schools, and communities to improve opportunities for excellence in education and success in school and community life with a special focus on children with disabilities. Their website is a cornucopia of resources, training materials, and templates to help parents prepare for IEP meetings and advocate for their children.
Considered by some to be the definitive resource for special education law and IEP advocacy, this is a parent-centered organization founded by a Virginia attorney and his wife. The materials on this website are written for parents. They provide free access to articles, legal explanations, and guidance. Virginia families will find it especially relevant since the founders are Virginia-based.
Understood.org — IEP & 504 Guide
A plain-language explanation of IDEA, IEPs, and 504 plans, the essential documents every parent of a struggling reader needs to understand.
Virginia Family Special Education Connection
Sponsored by the Virginia Department of Education, this site helps Virginia families understand the special education process, their legal rights, and the resources available to them. Includes Virginia-specific guidance on dyslexia, IEPs, and specific learning disabilities.
AIM-VA (Accessible Instructional Materials Virginia)
This is a free Virginia service that provides accessible instructional materials (audiobooks, digital texts, and other formats) to Virginia students with IEPs who qualify. If your child has an IEP for a “print disability,” learn more to see if you qualify for access. A ‘print disability’ has been defined as, a student who cannot effectively read print because of a visual, physical, perceptual, developmental, cognitive, or learning disability.
IEPs, Special Education, and Advocacy
Virginia Department of Education — Reading & Family Supports
This is the VDOE's reading resources page specifically for parents. It includes grade-by-grade expectations, information about the Virginia Literacy Act, and links to screeners and intervention programs that Virginia schools are required to use. If you want to find out what should be happening in your child’s classroom, this is the place to do that.
Virginia Literacy Act Overview for Families
This site provides a thorough explanation of the 2024 Virginia Literacy Act, the landmark law that went into effect in 2024-25 requiring all K-8 students to receive science-based reading instruction. Every Virginia parent should understand what this law means for their child's classroom.
2024 Virginia English Standards of Learning (SOL)
These are the most current standards that define what Virginia students are expected to know and be able to do in English and reading at each grade level. For parents who want to understand benchmarks and grade-level expectations for their child, this is the place to go.
Virginia Department of Education — Dyslexia Resources
Virginia's official dyslexia resource page includes FAQs, guidelines for identifying and supporting students with dyslexia, and links to additional support organizations.
Virginia-Specific Standards and Resources
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