19.2 - Reading Difficulties Risk Screener (RDRS)

Screening Tool

PCA uses Amira, a state-approved, evidence-based screening tool to identify students who may be at risk for reading challenges, including dyslexia. Depending on grade level, students will be assessed using various measures that could include:

• phonological and phonemic awareness
• sound-symbol recognition
• alphabetic knowledge
• decoding skill
• encoding skills
• rapid automatized naming
• comprehension

The goal of the screener is to catch any challenges early on so that the right support can be provided at the right time which research shows makes a huge difference in a child's reading success.

Screening Schedule

First and Second Grade

• Enrolled by October 1st: 10/6/2025 - 10/17/2025
• Enrolled after October 1st: 15 days after the Pre-Screener notification is given but no more than 45 days after enrollment

Kindergarten

• Enrolled by January 14th: 1/21/2026 - 1/30/2026
• Enrolled after January 14th: 15 days after the Pre-Screener notification is given but no more than 45 days after enrollment

Pre-Screening Notification

Per SB 114, parents must be notified at least 15 days prior to the screener being administered. Parents will be notified in two ways:

• As a part of the Welcome Back packet
• With the scheduling email sent by HSTs

IMPORTANT

Please attach the PCA Pre-Screening Notification Letter when scheduling with your families.

• PCA Pre-Screening Notification Letter (English)
• PCA Pre-Screening Notification Letter (Spanish)

Sample Scheduling Email Template

Opt-Outs

Parent are allowed to opt their child out of the screener if they would like. They are asked to do so this year via a Google Form. This form will be included in all pre-screening communications. For your reference, the Google Form to opt out may also be accessed here:

• PCA Opt Out Form

English Learners

Students who are not proficient in English will be screened using an approved tool in their primary language, if available. If no such tool exists, PCA will conduct an alternate review of the student’s language and literacy development based on their background, language skills, and academic history.

Screening Process

• Amira ISIP & Tutor Handout (PDF)
• Amira ISIP & Tutor Presentation (Recoding) Passcode: c$MBQ7^i
• Student Support Live PCA Process Presentation (Slides)
• PCA Amira/RDRS Staff FAQs
• Sample Grade 2 ISIP Video
• Full Amira ISIP Student View Video
• Sample RDRS Scheduling Email Template

RDRS/Amira Talking Points for Families

Results Notification Process

RDRS: Understanding and Supporting the Outcomes (Slides | Recording)

* Recording Password: X=CG3Z03

Parents must be informed of their child's results within 45 days of completing the screener.

There are three different versions of the Post-Screener Risk Notification Letter that inform parents of their student's results and any next steps. When notifying parents of their child's results it is important that you refer to the RDRS: Understanding & Supporting the Outcomes to ensure you are providing the correct information. This letter should always be accompanied by the Amira Parent Report which can be downloaded from the Reports section of your Amira account.