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Reading Difficulties Risk Screener (RDRS)

All California school districts are required to begin universal screening of students in kindergarten through second grade for risk of reading difficulties, beginning in the 2025-26 school year. The addition of the Reading Difficulties Risk Screener (RDRS), alongside other early reading resources will help ensure each of our young learners are supported in their journey toward literacy. The purpose of the RDRS is to:
  • Promote early identification of students at risk of reading difficulties.
  • Identify learning needs and enable parents/guardians/caregivers and educators to discuss needs in an informed way.
  • Support the implementation of targeted and intensive supports for students, using evidence-based early literacy instructional strategies and materials to improve outcomes for students.

Thank you for your continued support in your student’s education. We are committed to making sure that all students receive the best possible learning experience.

What Reading Difficulties Risk Screener is being used in the Solana Beach School District?

During the April 24, 2025 Solana Beach School District Special Board of Education Meeting, the Board approved the adoption of mCLASS with Dynamic Indicators of Basic Early Literacy Skills (DIBELS) Eighth Edition (published by Amplify Education, Inc.).

How will the screening process work?

  • When: Your student will be screened between January 5 - February 13, 2026
  • Who: Students in K-2 will be screened as part of this process.
  • What: The screening will focus on early literacy skills such as phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, and comprehension.
  • How: Teachers will assess students using DIBELS 8th Edition.
  • Results: The results from the Reading Screener will be shared with families via Parent Square on February 13, 2026.

Why are students being screened midway through the 2025-2026 school year (versus at the beginning of the school year)?

Solana Beach School District is conducting screenings midyear to allow time for students to have exposure to the skills being demonstrated on the screener while also ensuring there is adequate opportunity for thoughtful planning, staff training, and system setup before administering the new tool. With this midyear timing, the information gathered will help teachers identify and support students’ reading needs right away and continue implementation of support and monitoring plans for the remainder of the school year.

What happens after screening?

If the screening results indicate that a student is at risk for reading difficulties, the school will offer targeted support to help improve their skills. This may include additional instruction or other interventions tailored to the student's needs. In cases where a student requires further assistance, parents/guardians will be notified, and we will work together to create an action plan to support the student's learning.

How can you support your student?

As a parent/guardian, you play a crucial role in your student’s education. Here are a few ways you can help:

  • Read together regularly to promote reading fluency and comprehension.
  • Encourage a love of books by providing access to a variety of reading materials at home.
  • Stay informed about your student’s progress and speak with teachers or school staff if you have concerns about their reading development.

The mCLASS Home Connect website houses literacy resources for families, including at-home lessons organized by skill to support students learning to read at home. Upon receiving your student’s screening results, check this website to find easy-to-implement at-home practice activities.

Why does SBSD need to adopt a K-2 Reading Difficulties Risk Screener?

Senate Bill 114 (Education Omnibus Trailer Bill) added language to the California State Education Code (Education Code Section 53008) requiring all California school districts to begin assessing students in kindergarten, grade one, and grade two for risk of reading difficulties, beginning in 2025–2026.

In December 2024, the California State Board of Education released a list of four state-approved screening instruments. By June 2025, districts were required to adopt a screening instrument from the list approved by the State Board of Education, for implementation beginning in the 2025-2026 school year.

What is mCLASS DIBELS 8th Edition?

mCLASS DIBELS 8th Edition is an assessment system that provides teachers with valuable information on how students in grades K–6 are progressing in developing critical reading skills. mCLASS is a screening tool that educators can use to understand how to support each student’s unique reading abilities.

What skills are measured by mCLASS DIBELS?

The skills assessed by mCLASS DIBELS 8th Edition include:

  • Letter names: naming letters from print.
  • Phonological and phonemic awareness: the awareness of and ability to work with sounds in spoken language.
  • Alphabetic principle and phonics: matching the sounds of spoken words with individual letters or groups of letters.
  • Fluency: reading text with proper speed, accuracy, and expression.
  • Comprehension: reading text and understanding its meaning.

The specific measures administered will depend on a student’s grade level.

Additional Resources:

RDRS Opt-Out Information:

Screening enables us to better identify students' needs and provide timely interventions. However, if you would prefer to opt your students out of this screening, please let us know by completing this Google Form by December 19, 2025.