Big changes are coming to California classrooms: Starting in the 2025-26 school year, every district must annually screen all K-2 students for reading difficulties—including dyslexia—using newly approved tools. This universal screening mandate is a milestone in the state’s effort to ensure all students become proficient readers by third grade. But with the deadline fast approaching, is your district truly prepared?
What’s Changing and Why It Matters
For the first time, California will require annual reading screenings for over 1.2 million K-2 students. Districts must select a screener from the California Department of Education’s approved list by June 30, 2025, and have plans in place for administration, data interpretation, and support for students flagged as at risk.
This move comes after years of advocacy and research showing that early reading mastery is critical for long-term academic success—and that too many students are falling behind. The latest NAEP scores confirm that average reading performance in California has dipped below pre-pandemic levels, highlighting the urgency for early intervention.
But the screening is just the first step. The real challenge is what comes next: ensuring that every student identified as at risk receives timely, effective intervention so they don’t fall further behind.
Is Your District Ready? Key Steps for Compliance and Success
Districts need to move quickly and thoughtfully to meet the new requirements:
- Select and Approve a Screener:
Choose one or more screening instruments from the CDE-approved list in a public meeting by June 30, 2025. - Plan for Administration:
Define logistics for administering the screener to all K-2 students, including clear guidelines for English learners and students with diverse needs. - Train Staff:
Take advantage of the $25 million in state funding for professional development to ensure educators are prepared to administer and interpret the new screeners effectively. - Develop Response Protocols:
Create clear processes for interpreting results, communicating with families, and providing targeted interventions for students flagged as at risk. - Monitor and Report Progress:
Establish systems for tracking student growth and adjusting supports as needed.
Early identification is only meaningful if it leads to early, effective action.
How Talentnook Can Help Your District Succeed
At Talentnook, we are specialists in K-8 literacy solutions—and we’re ready to be your district’s partner in this new era of early reading intervention.
Here’s how we can support you:
- Screening Implementation:
We can administer California-approved reading risk screeners for your district, ensuring compliance and accuracy. - Targeted Intervention:
Our Elements of Reading program provides 1:1 and small-group interventions, using research-based, multi-sensory approaches proven to help struggling readers, including English learners and students with learning challenges. - Staffing and Training:
Talentnook supplies experienced reading specialists, instructional aides, and program administrators to supplement your district’s team. - Progress Monitoring:
We deliver data-driven reports so you can track student growth and adjust interventions in real time. - Custom Program Design:
We work with you to design a supplemental support plan tailored to your district’s unique needs and goals.
Our mission is simple: Every child reading and writing at or above grade level. As California raises the bar for early literacy, Talentnook stands ready to help your district not only comply—but truly make a difference for every student.
Ready to get started or want to learn more?
Connect with Talentnook today and ensure your district is prepared for California’s new reading screening era—because every child deserves the gift of literacy.