After a lengthy battle from reading advocates, California schools are finally on the brink of implementing a mandatory screening test for all students in kindergarten through second grade. The new legislation requires every school district in the state to choose their preferred screening test by June 30, with options recommended by a state panel. This move places California among the few states to introduce such a universal screening test for early grades, a significant step forward in identifying reading challenges early on.
The push for this screening test came after a decade of advocacy, with Governor Gavin Newsom playing a crucial role in championing the cause due to his personal experience with dyslexia. The screening test is not meant to diagnose specific reading difficulties like dyslexia but rather to guide parents and teachers on whether further assessment is necessary. The urgency for this test has increased as California aims to improve students’ reading abilities, especially in the wake of declining reading scores post-pandemic.
One district that underwent a thorough process to select a screening test is West Contra Costa Unified School District, which ultimately chose mCLASS DIBELS. The district formed a task force comprising various stakeholders to evaluate different options and gather feedback from teachers. The chosen test allows for quick assessment, with results available to parents promptly. This decision reflects the district’s commitment to providing early intervention and support for students with reading difficulties, aligning with a broader initiative to enhance literacy across the district.