Program Overview

The Virginia Department of Education has contracted with the Evaluation Systems group of Pearson to create and administer the Virginia Communication and Literacy Assessment® (VCLA™), which measures the communication and literacy skills necessary for Virginia educators.

About the VCLA

On March 23, 2005, the Virginia Board of Education approved the establishment of a Special Committee of the Board of Education to Study and Make Recommendations Relative to Teacher Licensure Assessments. The committee was charged with the responsibility of examining the use of teacher licensure assessments in Virginia and other states and of making recommendations to the Board of Education. On June 22, 2005, the Board of Education, based on the committee's recommendation, approved the implementation of the VCLA as a requirement for individuals seeking initial licensure in Virginia.

On March 18, 2010, the Board of Education accepted the recommendation of the Advisory Board on Teacher Education and Licensure to approve the Virginia Communication and Literacy Assessment (Reading and Writing) as an optional test for Reading and Writing tests for individuals seeking entry into a Virginia teacher preparation program.

The VCLA measures the communication and literacy skills necessary to teach and communicate effectively with parents and others in the education community. The VCLA consists of two subtests—a reading subtest and a writing subtest.

Test Design

The following table describes each subtest of the VCLA:

Subtest Subtest Description
Reading subtest (091)
  • Designed to measure comprehension and analysis of readings, outlining and summarizing skills, and ability to interpret tables and graphs
  • Consists of approximately 40 multiple-choice items
Writing subtest (092)
  • Designed to measure the development of ideas in essay form on specific topics and the mastery of grammar, mechanics, and vocabulary
  • Consists of approximately 40 multiple-choice items, 3 short-answer items, a written summary assignment, and a written composition assignment

The VCLA is criterion referenced and objective based and is designed to measure a candidate's knowledge and skills in relation to an established standard rather than in relation to the performance of other candidates.

The test may include test items that are being evaluated for future administrations and that do not affect a candidate's test results.

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