K-2 Reading Difficulties Screening

Beginning in 2025–2026, students in kindergarten, grade one, and grade two must be screened (using a state approved assessment) for risk of reading difficulties per Education Code Section 53008.

The California Department of Education asked a Reading Difficulties Risk Screener Selection Panel of experts to create an approved list of reading screeners for districts to use.  After extensive, comprehensive, and intentional outreach to SF staff and family organizations during 2024-25 the following Reading Difficulties Screeners will be administered in SFUSD in 2025-26 (per Board of Education approval on June 17, 2025):

The following table provides the district administration windows for the K-2 Reading Difficulties Screeners (see the SFUSD Assessment Timeline for all required assessments/dates).

Reading Difficulties Screeners Assessment Timeline

*NOTE: For K-2 students who are enrolled after the district Reading Difficulties Screening (RDS) administration window, they must be assessed within 45 days of their enrollment (school entry) date.  See the RDS website for forthcoming information regarding notifying families, test administration, and reports for families and schools and more.

Professional Development (required):

• All K-2 Teachers: Teacher BuyBack Day on August 14, 2025 from 1-2:30 
• All K-5/K-8 Test Coordinators: Register to attend a TC meeting in August & September 

NOTES:

• The new Reading Screener will replace the Star CBMs as SFUSDs Reading Difficulties Screener in 2025-26.  

• The Star Early Literacy, Reading and Math assessments will remain in place as interim assessments for progress monitoring toward district goals.

A Reading Difficulties Screening is used to :

• Identify students who may be at risk of reading difficulties, including dyslexia.
• Implement a school’s comprehensive instructional strategy.
• Provide information for parents and educators to discuss student needs in a more informed way.
• Inform supports and services for students with reading difficulties

Contact the RtI team at rti@sfusd.edu

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