Reading Difficulties Screener

The reading screener is a short assessment that students complete with a school staff member. It includes simple tasks like identifying letters, sounds, or words and may involve reading out loud or answering questions about what they hear. The activities are age-appropriate and designed to feel like a regular part of their school day.

The screener measures key early reading skills, such as how well students recognize letters and sounds, read words, and understand spoken or written language. These skills help teachers understand how your child is developing as a reader and whether they may need extra support.

If your student’s primary language is Spanish, they may be assessed using a Spanish-language screener to help us understand their reading development in their home language. For other languages, teachers will consider language development and work with specialists as needed to make sure the screener results are understood in the right context. Our goal is to support every student based on their individual needs.

The screener will be given by trained staff members, such as your child’s classroom teacher or other support provider at the school.

Yes. Families who wish to opt their student out of the reading difficulty screener may do so by submitting a written request to their student’s teacher or school principal. This request can be provided in the form of a letter or email.

If you have questions about the screener or your child’s results, please contact your child’s teacher or school principal.

Families will receive a custom report within 45 days of the assessment after each screening period. The report will be sent home with your child or mailed directly to you.

Your child’s report will include their results, what those results mean, and specific suggestions for how you can support reading at home. It will also explain what support your child will receive at school. The screener is not a grade—it’s a tool to guide support.

Teachers will use the screener results to better understand your child’s reading needs. If your child shows signs of needing support, the teacher may provide small group instruction, extra practice with key reading skills, or other classroom-based interventions. The goal is to provide help early so your child can continue to grow as a reader.

No. The screener is not used to diagnose learning disabilities or place students in special education. It helps identify students who may be at risk for reading difficulties so they can receive early support. If a student continues to struggle over time, the school team will work with you to explore additional steps, which could include further assessments.