Reading Difficulties Risk Screener (RDRS)

In 2023, the California State Legislature recognized the importance of early literacy screening and passed legislation for local education agencies (LEAs) to adopt approved screeners and begin annual universal screening of kindergarten through grade 2 students in the 2025-2026 school year.

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

 

Opportunities to Explore the CISC's ELA/ELD Subcommittee's Adoption Toolkit:

• Please check back for upcoming sessions.

 

Literacy Reading Screener Summer Sessions:

Join us for a one-day professional learning session either in June or August 2025 as we build on our knowledge of how to use the data we gather from the K-2 Reading Difficulties Risk Screener (RDRS) to inform instruction.

Goals for Learning:

• Support educators’ understanding of how to effectively use literacy screener data to inform their teaching practices.
• Explore how to apply literacy screener results to identify key areas of need for students.
• Learn how to translate data into actionable steps that enhance classroom practices and provide differentiated instruction to meet the diverse needs of students, focusing on the needs of Multilingual students

 
The sessions are facilitated by Dr. Katherine Casey Spengler, Melanie Stone, and Mónica Aguirre.

Option 1: 

• Date: Wednesday, June 18, 2025: 8-3:30 p.m.
  Location: T.H.E. Leadership Academy (1550 Temple Heights Drive, Oceanside, CA 92056)
  Registration Link: http://sdcoe.k12oms.org/893-263236
  Cost: $40 includes breakfast and lunch 

Option 2: 

• Date: Tuesday, August 5, 2025: 8-3:30 p.m.
  Location: SDCOE (6401 Linda Vista Rd, San Diego, CA 92111)
  Registration Link: http://sdcoe.k12oms.org/893-263478
  Cost: $40 includes breakfast and lunch.

 

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, MEGA Coordinator
• Cherissa Beck, ELA Coordinator
• Melanie Stone, ELA Coordinator

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