Reading Difficulties Risk Screener (RDRS)

Reading Difficulties Risk Screener

FAQ for Parents

 

Why is ABC Unified administering a reading screener to my child?

• California Senate Bill 114 requires that all students in grades K-2 be screened for reading difficulties each year, beginning with the 2025-26 school year.
• The intention is to identify students at risk of reading difficulties and to provide structured literacy instruction to intervene early.

 

What will be used as a screener?

• The ABCUSD School Board adopted Amira Learning at the 5/20/25 School Board meeting.  It was selected according to the criteria outlined in Senate Bill 114.

 

Who will be screened?

• The screening assessment will be administered to students in kindergarten, first grade, and second grade. The results will help the school address any risk for reading difficulties early.
• Parents who wish to opt their child out of taking the assessment must submit a written letter to the principal at least 15 days before the screener.

 

How will screening occur?

• The screening will be administered by school personnel during the school day.
• Amira Learning is an online assessment that takes about 15-20 minutes to complete.

What if my child is an English Learner? Will they still be screened?

• Students in kindergarten, first grade, and second grade will be screened using Amira or an alternative process, unless opted out by a parent/guardian. 
• The Amira screening assessment is available in English and Spanish.
• The goal is to make sure every child is screened in the language that gives the most accurate results.
• If your child speaks Spanish, the school will screen in English or Spanish (or both), depending on your child’s English proficiency level.
• If your child speaks a different language and is also proficient in English, the school will screen in English. If your child is just starting to learn English, the school will use an alternative process.
• In Dual Language Programs, children are screened in the language that best matches their home language and English ability.
• Your child’s teacher will have specific information on which language(s) will be used for screening purposes.

 

When will the screener be administered?

The screening windows for the 2025-2026 school year are:

 

Screening Window	Grade Level to be Assessed
October 13 - October 24, 2025	2nd Grade
October 20 - October 31, 2025	1st Grade
January 20 - January 30, 2026	Kindergarten

 

What will happen once students have been screened?

• Schools are required to notify parents of the results of the screener within 45 days of assessment. Results will be mailed to parents/guardians.

 

What if I have additional questions?

• See the ABC Unified School District’s website > Family > Reading Difficulties Risk Screener (RDRS) for a recorded parent webinar and more information.
• You may also contact your School Principal for more information.