How do SFUSD teachers identify first and second grade students who are struggling to read at grade level?
- During the fall, all SFUSD 1st and 2nd grade students will take a Reading Difficulties Risk Screener called “Amira”
- Parents will be notified 15-30 days before the screening, and can opt their child out of the reading screener
- 1st and 2nd grade students’ scores will be provided in an Amira Reading Screener Student Report. Scoring categories are “Above”, “On Track”, “Developing”, and “Catch Up”.
Here is a sample copy of the Amira Reading Screener Student Report:
- Students in Developing and Catch Up categories will receive more support in reading from their classroom teacher and School Support Team (SST). The SST develops a plan for “Tier 2” (extra small group help) in reading
- Students receiving Tier 2 support will take the Amira Reading Screener again. If students are still not making good progress, the SST updates the plan, which may include moving the student to “Tier 3” (intensive support) in reading
- Students receiving Tier 3 support will take the Amira Reading Screener again. Depending on the student’s score, the SST may decide to begin a special education referral process, continue the student in Tier 3 intensive support in reading, or exit Tier 3 and return the student to Tier 2 if they are making progress.
- The flow chart below shows how the Reading Screener helps identify students for Tier 2 and Tier 3 support:
Why is SFUSD screening 1st and 2nd Grade students for reading?
- As required by state law (Ed. Code 53008), SFUSD conducts annual screening for reading difficulties, including dyslexia, for students in Kindergarten through 2nd grade
- SFUSD is using state-approved reading screeners:
- In Kindergarten, SFUSD uses mClass DIBELS
- In Grades 1 and 2, SFUSD uses Amira