Virginia Literacy Partnership
Virginia Language & Literacy Screener, VALLS: Pre-K is a screening tool that measures young children’s language and literacy development. For 4-year-olds, the screener contains subtests that measure five broad skills, which impact later reading achievement:
- Alphabet Knowledge: knowledge of letter names and letter sounds
- Phonological Awareness: the ability to play with and hear the sounds of language
- Language Comprehension: showing understanding of a story by using words (expressive) and by using gestures like pointing (receptive)
- Emergent Writing: ability to write their name
- Print Concepts: understanding of how print, books, and writing work
Results are used to determine individual children’s learning goals, plan classroom instruction, and raise awareness of children who need additional support or instruction in early reading and literacy.