California's K–2 Reading Screening Requirement (EC 53008): A Guide for Schools and Families

California's K–2 reading screening law, Education Code (EC) Section 53008, requires every local educational agency (LEA) that serves kindergarten through grade two to screen those students for risk of reading difficulties, including dyslexia, at least once each school year, starting no later than 2025–26. Schools must use an instrument from the state-approved list, tell families at least 15 calendar days before screening, honor written opt-outs, and share results within 45 calendar days. The results are a flag for risk, not a diagnosis, and students identified at risk must get supports.

This guide summarizes the requirement for principals, K–2 teachers, intervention teams and office staff. A note on sources: the official statute site (leginfo.legislature.ca.gov) could not be reached while we wrote this, so every rule below comes from the California Department of Education's (CDE) own summaries, FAQs and letters to the field, linked at the end. Check those pages, and your district's counsel, before you finalize local procedures.

What does California's K–2 reading screening law require?

Under EC 53008, LEAs had to adopt one or more screening instruments from the state-approved list by June 30, 2025, at a public meeting of their governing board. They must then screen students beginning no later than the 2025–26 school year, and annually thereafter.

CDE's FAQ puts the core rule simply: an LEA must screen all pupils in kindergarten and grades one and two at least once each school year. CDE describes the purpose as early identification of, and intervention for, reading difficulties, including possible dyslexia.

In a July 24, 2026 letter, CDE reported that Assembly Bill 126 (2026) amended EC 53008(e) and added EC 53009.5, which appropriates $40 million for 2026–27 for LEAs that screen pupils. CDE says it has revised its FAQs to match.

Who must be screened, and when?

All students in kindergarten, grade one and grade two are in scope. A few timing rules matter for planning:

  • Kindergarten: an LEA may not give a screening instrument to a kindergarten pupil before the 91st school day of the school year.
  • Readiness: when choosing when to screen, LEAs must consider whether pupils have had sufficient instruction in foundational reading skills. CDE's July 2026 letter says CDE must issue guidance on judging this by January 31, 2027.
  • New students: a pupil who enrolls after screening is done for their grade must be assessed within 45 calendar days of enrollment, unless a parent or guardian opts out in writing. No new screening is needed if there is documentation of a similar screening at the prior school and the parent was made aware of the results.
  • Administration: CDE's letter strongly recommends giving screeners individually or in small groups, following each instrument's directions, and says the staff who give them must be trained to do so.

Students with IEPs or 504 plans are also screened. CDE's FAQ says an LEA may exempt a student, with prior written parent consent, if one of three criteria applies: a current diagnosis, eligibility under IDEA or Section 504, or an evaluation that makes screening redundant.

Which screeners are on California's approved list?

The State Board of Education appointed the Reading Difficulties Risk Screener Selection Panel (RDRSSP). On December 16, 2024, the panel approved this list:

  • Amira (Amira Learning or HMH): grades K, 1 and 2; English and Spanish.
  • mCLASS with DIBELS Edition 8 and mCLASS Lectura (Amplify Education): grades K, 1 and 2; English and Spanish.
  • Multitudes (UCSF Dyslexia Center): grades K, 1 and 2; English and Spanish.
  • Rapid Online Assessment of Reading (ROAR) (Stanford University, Brain Development and Education Lab): grades 1 and 2; English only.

LEAs may give more screenings or diagnostics beyond the required one, but the required screening must use an approved instrument. Check CDE's RDRSSP page for any later changes to the list.

What notice do parents get, and how do they opt out?

According to CDE's FAQ, families must receive information no later than 15 calendar days before the screening is given. That notice must include the screening dates and instructions for opting out. CDE also encourages LEAs to include screening information with back-to-school materials.

A parent's or guardian's decision to opt out must be in writing. The statute does not say whether LEAs must create an opt-out form; CDE suggests consulting legal counsel on that point.

How are English learners screened?

CDE's FAQ says pupils who do not have sufficient English must be screened in their primary language if an instrument in that language is on the approved list. Today, that means Spanish: Amira, mCLASS with DIBELS 8/mCLASS Lectura and Multitudes have Spanish versions. ROAR is English only, and no other languages are on the list.

If no approved instrument exists in a student's primary language, CDE says the student's risk is evaluated through developmental history, educational history and literacy progress, following the California Dyslexia Guidelines. If an instrument in that language becomes available later, the LEA must use it.

The statute does not define "sufficient English"; each instrument may define it. CDE also confirms that screening results may not be used to reclassify English learners, including for reclassification Criterion 4.

What should schools do with the results?

CDE is direct: screening results must be used as a flag for potential risk of reading difficulties, not as a diagnosis of a disability. They feed a broader process that can include classroom supports, targeted intervention, further evaluation and, if concerns persist, diagnosis.

When a student is identified at risk, the LEA must provide supports and services suited to the specific challenges identified. CDE lists examples such as evidence-based literacy instruction, progress monitoring, early intervention in general education, one-on-one or small-group tutoring, and further evaluation.

Two guardrails matter. First, results may not be used for any high-stakes purpose, such as staff evaluation, grade retention, gifted identification or English learner reclassification. Second, a screening cannot establish IEP or 504 eligibility, but it may prompt a referral for assessment, and it cannot delay Child Find. LEAs are not required to report results to CDE.

For a simple way to turn flagged skills into small groups and retests, see our guide From Diagnostic Results to Small Groups: A Simple Test, Reteach, Retest Cycle for K–5.

How should schools share results with families in English and Spanish?

Per CDE's FAQ, results must be made available to parents in a timely manner, and no more than 45 calendar days from the date the screening was given. The results must include information on how to interpret them, plus next steps and any supports that apply.

Notices must be translated when 15 percent or more of pupils speak a single primary language other than English (EC 48985(a)). For many California schools, that means Spanish. A few practical habits help families:

  • Say plainly, in both languages, that the screening is a check for risk and not a diagnosis.
  • Name the next step: what support the school will give, and when it will check progress.
  • Offer a conference and a contact person, with interpretation if needed.
  • Send the same core message to every family, so on-track and at-risk letters feel consistent.

Frequently asked questions

Which grades does California's reading screening law cover?

Kindergarten, grade one and grade two. CDE says LEAs must screen all pupils in those grades at least once each school year, beginning no later than 2025–26.

When can kindergarten students be screened?

Not before the 91st school day of the school year. LEAs must also consider whether students have had sufficient instruction in foundational reading skills.

Which dyslexia screeners are approved in California?

The panel approved four on December 16, 2024: Amira, mCLASS with DIBELS Edition 8 and mCLASS Lectura, and Multitudes for grades K–2 in English and Spanish, and ROAR for grades 1–2 in English only.

Can parents opt their child out of the screening?

Yes. A parent's or guardian's decision to opt out must be in writing. Families must get notice, including the dates and opt-out instructions, at least 15 calendar days before screening.

How soon must families get results?

In a timely manner, and no more than 45 calendar days after the screening is given. Results must explain how to interpret them, plus next steps and any supports.

Is a screening result a dyslexia diagnosis?

No. CDE says results are a flag for potential risk of reading difficulties, not a diagnosis of a disability. They may prompt supports, progress monitoring or a referral for further evaluation.

Sources

This article summarizes CDE guidance and is not legal advice.

Written by Isaac, U.S. Navy veteran and founder of Creator Supply Co.