Introduction
NEW K-2 Reading Screener Coming in the 2025-2026 School Year
In accordance with California Education Code Section 53008, all California local education agencies (LEAs) are required to assess students from kindergarten to grade two for risk of reading difficulties with a screener from a CA Department of Education (CDE)-approved list beginning no later than the 2025-26 school year.
Key information:
CDE-approved list of screening instruments and information: Approved List of Screening Instruments and Information Overviews
On or before June 30, 2025, LEA governing boards must adopt a screener from the approved list
Section 117 of Senate Bill 153 appropriates funds for training educators to administer the screener in kindergarten through grade two. Funds are allocated on a per-pupil basis using each LEA’s 2023-24 enrollment data for kindergarten through grade two.
Learn About the 3 Approved Reading Screeners Link to this section
See overviews provided by the CDE below:
Community Outreach Link to this section
On Wednesday, March 26, 2025 the San Francisco Unified School District held a Reading Screener Info Session to gather input from SFUSD family and community members who represent the diverse families across our district. SFUSD staff reached out to 12 SF family organizations and asked each to send up to 3 representatives. Representatives from the Curriculum & Instruction, Special Ed and Research, Planning & Assessments divisions designed and facilitated an engagement session with 14 representatives from 8 San Francisco Family/Community groups. During this session families reviewed the caregiver reports provided by each vendor, and protected time was provided for collective meaning making and providing input.
View resources regarding assessment administration, reports, and instructional resources for each Screener below:
2025-26 K-2 Annual Reading Screening Information
Link to this section
View responses to frequently asked questions about the New K-2 Reading Screener from the community below:
What is a Reading Screener?
A Reading Screener is a suite of assessments that will:
- Identify students who may be at risk of reading difficulties, including dyslexia.
- Bolster a school’s comprehensive instructional strategy.
- Provide information for parents and educators to discuss student needs in an informed way.
- Inform supports and services for students with reading difficulties.
What is assessed during a Reading Screener?
Students will be assessed in the foundational skills of reading such as letter & sound knowledge, in addition to an assessment in rapid naming of objects or letters depending on their grade level.
When will the Reading Screener be administered?
Beginning in the 2025-26 school year, Grades 1 & 2 students will be assessed during the Fall and Kindergarten students will be assessed during the Winter.
Parents will be notified via ParentVue 2-4 weeks prior to each district-wide assessment windows that their child is scheduled to participate. Parents can opt their child out of the Reading Screener using instructions included in the notification letter.
When will the Reading Screener results be shared with families & caregivers?
The results from the Reading Screener will be shared with families within 45 days of each annual district-wide assessment window.
Questions? Link to this section
Questions?
- See the FAQ posted on the California Department of Education website.
- Please email us at rti@sfusd.edu and allow 3 business days if a response is needed.
- Share your thoughts by completing this K-2 Reading Screening Feedback Form
Thank you for your time, interest, and participation in this learning!
This page was last updated on April 25, 2025