Reading Screeners

Screenings in California

Senate Bill 114: Dyslexia Screenings for K-12 California Children 

On July 10, 2023, Governor Newsom signed Senate Bill 114 into law, requiring kindergarten through 2nd-grade students to be screened for reading difficulties, including dyslexia. Dyslexia is a neurobiological learning disability that affects word recognition, spelling, and decoding skills. Research shows that 5-8% of school-age children have dyslexia, and 80% of students in special education have reading-related learning disabilities.

Key Timeline & Requirements

• By Jan. 31, 2024 – The State Board appoints experts to create a list of approved screening tools.
• By Dec. 31, 2024 – The panel finalizes the approved screening tools.
• By June 30, 2025 – Schools must select at least one approved screening tool.
• Starting 2025-26 school year – Annual screenings for K-2 students begin.
• Parental Notification – Schools must inform parents of the screenings, allow them to opt-out in writing, and provide screening results within 45 days after testing.