General

Q: When is the next application window for program submissions? 

A: The Cycle 4 application window for K-5 Core, K-5 and 6-8 Intervention, and K-5 and 6-8 Supplemental programs will open on January 13, 2025 and close on January 28, 2025 at noon EST.

Q: Is there a way to see all that is required for the Core, Supplemental, and Intervention Program submissions?

A: Yes, please see details for Core review on the Core Phase I Review page and Core Phase II Review page. Supplemental details are found on the K-5 Supplemental Review page and 6-8 Supplemental Review page. Intervention details are on the K-5 Intervention Rview page and 6-8 Intervention Review page.

Q: Are providers required to submit for all grades or can they submit for individual grades?

A: Core programs should only submit application responses for the grade levels they indicate are intended for review. Intervention programs are not reviewed by grade level; however, the provider must submit a K-5 application and/or 6-8 application. Supplemental K-5 programs should submit application responses for the grade levels they indicate are intended for review. Supplemental 6-8 programs are not reviewed by grade level. 

Q: May I submit more than one program application?

A: Yes. You may submit as many program applications as you would like. However, you must complete and submit your first program application before proceeding to your next application(s). 

Q: Can you tell me more about the webinar that providers need to create and submit as part of their application?

A: The purpose of the webinar is to orient the review team to your program, making it clear how to navigate the site, locate evidence provided in your application, and get a sense of how to implement entire units or lessons within your program. After viewing, reviewers should be able to easily find their way through your program and provide a full, comprehensive review of your program. It may be helpful to think of your audience as a first-year teacher, eager to implement your program. 

Q: Must all program applications include a Pricing Document and Publisher Submission form?

A: All commercial programs must submit the Pricing Document and Publisher Submission Form. Note that these submission materials are not required for school divisions. 

Q: Is there an opportunity for public review and comment on the Recommended Instructional Program Guide(s)?

A: All programs must provide public review access to their complete program. In the application, providers will share details for access during a 30-day public review window. Public review will take place between VLP's notice of program recommendation and the Virginia Board of Education's vote on approval. 

Q: Is there a character limit to the text fields?

A: No, there is no character limit.

Q: Can we include hyperlinks in the application?

A: Yes, you may include hyperlinks. While they may not appear as hyperlinks in the text field, they will be “translated” as hyperlinks in the final application submission so long as they are written in a complete format, starting with https:// or http://.

Q: The SOL Crosswalk/Publisher Correlation Chart document references Annotated Teacher Editions. Are ATEs required for submissions, or is it sufficient to provide the exact citation on the worksheet?

A: It is sufficient to provide the exact citations on the worksheet. 

Publishers

Q: Can we ship curricular kits and materials to you for review?

A: No hard copies of materials should be shipped. All submissions are digital. Submission of materials either in hard copy or via email will not be accepted.

Q: On the Publishers’ Submission Form, do all ISBNs in our program need to be listed on this form to be included on the Recommended Guide? 

A: To be considered for a Recommended Program Guide, please include ISBNs for all materials that are part of your program.

School Divisions

Q: Our division uses a commercial instructional program for literacy. Do we need to submit an application? 

A: No, proprietary content providers are required to directly submit their materials for review. Divisions are asked to inform potential providers that the division wishes their curricula to be submitted and considered for VBOE approval.  

Q: Our division uses several separate commercial programs that, when combined, include all components of a literacy program. May we submit these as a locally-created curriculum? 

A: If your division is using commercially available products, the best avenue to have those products reviewed is by informing the provider that this review process is underway. Proprietary content providers (not divisions) are required to directly submit these materials for review.   

Q: Our division uses teacher-created materials from a consultant with whom we work. Do we need to submit these materials for review?

A: This review intends to establish a list of programs that align with evidence-based literacy instruction as defined in the Virginia Literacy Act. School divisions are asked to submit any locally created curriculum that the division wants to be considered for VBOE approval.