Reading Difficulties Risk Screener (RDRS)

In 2023, the California State Legislature recognized the importance of early literacy screening and passed legislation for local educational agencies (LEAs) to adopt approved screeners and begin annual universal screening of kindergarten through grade 2 students in the 2025-26 school year.

SDCOE is pleased to offer the following opportunities to support your LEA in the RDRS adoption process!

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SDCOE Reading Difficulties Risk Screener (RDRS) Network

The purpose of this network is to provide a space for San Diego County literacy leaders to share best practices in planning and implementing the RDRS to elevate K-2 student outcomes. On May 20th, we will share year one implementation successes and collaborate to further refine year two practices.

Time: 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. 
 
Location: San Diego County Office of Education, 6401 Linda Vista Road, San Diego, CA 92111-7319
 
Cost: Free 
 
Registration link: http://sdcoe.k12oms.org/865-276193
 

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Using Reading Difficulties Risk Screener (RDRS) Data to Inform Instruction With Dr. Spengler

This one-day professional development session is designed to help educators understand how to effectively use literacy screener data to inform their teaching practices and support the development of student reading proficiency, with a special emphasis on meeting the needs of multilingual learners. 

Participants will:

• Use literacy data to inform instruction
• Identify key areas of student need based on screener results
• Turn data into actionable steps for differentiated instruction, with a focus on multilingual leaners.

Cost: $40
 
Time: 9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. (9-9:30 a.m. breakfast and registration) 
 
Location: North County Regional Education Center, 255 N. Pico Ave., San Marcos, CA 92069
 
Cost: $40 
 
Registration link: http://sdcoe.k12oms.org/893-266811

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Resources

Need more context? Read:

• EdSource Article: State Takes Another Step Toward Mandatory Testing for Reading Difficulties in 2025

Seeking written clarifications and recommendations? Check out:

• Screening for Risk of Reading Difficulties FAQs
• California Dyslexia Guidelines: Ch. 7, Dyslexia in English Learners
• California Department of Education: California Literacy webpage

Please note: LEAs currently using one of the approved screeners must plan for specific considerations to comply with all legislation aspects. Additionally, there is language in the bill that compels districts to document the adoption protocol they completed to avoid over and under-identifying students. The SDCOE team can help you to streamline the process.
 
Support for Multilingual learners 

• SDCOE RDRS Network Meeting Resources 3.24.25 

 
CDE-Approved Screener Resources

• Amira Learning
  • CDE Overview
  • Amira Learning Padlet
• Amplify MCLASS
  • CDE Overview
  • Biliteracy Screening Solutions Slide Deck
  • mCLASS for California website
• Project ARISE
  • Project ARISE RDRS Informational Series
• Stanford ROAR
  • CDE Overview
  • ROAR for Educators website
  • ROAR Slides
• UCSF Multitudes
  • CDE Overview
  • Multitudes platform demonstration video
  • Webinar Registration for Teachers and Administrators

 
Need assistance planning your RDRS adoption with the state toolkit? Contact:

• Mónica Aguirre, ELA Coordinator
• Melanie Stone, ELA Coordinator

Please join our mailing list for dates, updates, and more information.