K-2 Reading Difficulties Screening

Beginning in the 2025–2026 school year and continuing on into this school year, 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 the years following (per Board of Education approval on June 17, 2025) pending any changes from the CDE:

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. 

NOTE:

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

The K-2 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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