Photo: AP Photo/Rich Pedroncelli
Photo: AP Photo/Rich PedroncelliAfter years of fierce debate, mandatory dyslexia screening is significantly closer to reality for California schools.
Gov. Gavin Newsom, in his budget revision released Friday, set aside $1 million for teacher training and a requirement that schools screen all children in kindergarten through second grade for risks of dyslexia and other reading disorders, beginning in 2025-26.
The budget is subject to final approval by the Legislature by mid-June, but Newsom seemed confident that dyslexia screening would survive last-minute political wrangling.
“I’m not worried about this stalling. We’re going to get it done this time,” Newsom said Friday, noting that he himself struggles with dyslexia and is “deeply engaged in the subject.”
California is one of only 10 states nationwide that does not screen students for dyslexia, a learning disorder that affects up to 1 in 5 students. Even though 60% of California’s third-graders are not reading at grade level, the teachers union and English learner advocates had vehemently opposed mandatory screening, saying that students whose native language isn’t English could be wrongly identified as having dyslexia and unnecessarily placed in special education.
Newsom addressed those fears on Friday. He said that the screening tool being developed at UC San Francisco will be available in numerous languages and take into account students’ cultural and linguistic differences. The UCSF tool, he said, would be state-of-the-art.
“I’m excited about what California will export to other states,” he said. “It’s not just about being one of the other states, it’s about being the best among other states.”
The budget calls for a panel to meet next year to review several tests, including the UCSF test, and offer schools a choice. Schools would have time to train teachers to administer the test, which would flag students who are at risk of having dyslexia.
State Sen. Anthony Portantino, D-Burbank, who has pushed for mandatory screening for years, said he was “ecstatic” at Newsom’s decision to prioritize dyslexia screening in the budget. Portantino, who also has dyslexia, in February introduced SB 691, which would have screened students beginning in 2024-25, a year earlier than Newsom’s proposal. That bill will now not be necessary, he said.
“I am extremely happy. This is a great day for kids in California,” Portantino said Friday. “The governor had it right. He and I both understand the urgency of this issue. And I think we’ve ironed out the safeguards to ensure that the (test) will be linguistically and culturally sensitive.”
Dyslexia advocates cheered Newsom’s decision.
“We have been fighting for this for so long. We’re really excited to see this move forward,” said Megan Potente, co-state director of Decoding Dyslexia California. “There’s a lot of momentum.”
Students with dyslexia need extra help learning to match letters to sounds. The sooner they get that help, the sooner they can catch up to their peers, research shows. And the longer schools wait, the harder it is for students to overcome and the more expensive interventions become.
Megan Bacigalupi, an Oakland parent and founder of California Parent Power, said that mandatory dyslexia screening is long overdue.
“Sitting here as a parent of a dyslexic child who was not screened early and will likely struggle in school for much of his life because of that, today means a great deal to me and all the families that will benefit,” she said.
The California Teachers Association, which for years has opposed mandatory screening, appeared to soften its stance on Friday. The longer timeline for implementation and extra money to train teachers made the difference, union President E. Toby Boyd said Friday.
“We appreciate the governor hearing the concerns educators have expressed for the last few years and for including funding to properly address early literacy screening, including dyslexia, in a manner that provides a realistic implementation timeline, professional development for educators and thoughtful policy that benefits students,” Boyd said.
English learner advocates also appeared ready to move forward with the screening requirement, at least for now.
“We appreciate the more comprehensive view on screening with a focus on reading difficulties, not just at risk of dyslexia, but look forward to reviewing the trailer bill language for details, especially how it affects our English learners,” said Martha Hernandez, executive director of Californians Together, which advocates for English learners in California schools.
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Hiroko Okazaki 1 week ago1 week ago
As a parent of two children with dyslexia who had to get their children tested outside the school to be taken seriously, I am so pleased that Gov. Newsom has included this screening in his budget. I would like to thank Sen. Portantino for his efforts over the years in bringing awareness to this issue and EdSource for following the story.
Julia Myers 1 week ago1 week ago
Thank you State Senator Portantino and Governor Newsom for your leadership on this important issue. I am relieved to hear that the new budget sets aside funds for teacher training and that it includes a requirement that schools screen all children in kindergarten through second grade for risks of dyslexia and other reading disorders. Early intervention is essential.
elizabeth bloom 1 week ago1 week ago
This is great news! It is long overdue. Kids should not have to fail and fall terribly behind to receive appropriate and evidenced reading support. Screenings prevent the student from falling through the cracks. My son was 5 years behind and the gap has been impossible to close. This is all because he could not pick up reading like other students due to being dyslexic If he had … Read More
This is great news! It is long overdue. Kids should not have to fail and fall terribly behind to receive appropriate and evidenced reading support. Screenings prevent the student from falling through the cracks. My son was 5 years behind and the gap has been impossible to close. This is all because he could not pick up reading like other students due to being dyslexic If he had been flagged from a screening, then we could have gotten him the assistance he needed right away.
I hear countless stories like ours. This screening process will save so many from the painful road our kids have endured.
Amy Noel 1 week ago1 week ago
I am so happy this is becoming a reality for CA schools. I have four children with dyslexia. One son’s 1st grade teacher was excellent at structured-literacy instruction and helped him stay out of Special education services by giving him the instruction he needed at the right time.
Victoria Barret 2 weeks ago2 weeks ago
California is behind the nation in an area where it can lead. Screening AND intervention — let’s invest today to insure a better future for our children with dyslexia. Every child deserves to learn to read.
Jennifer N 2 weeks ago2 weeks ago
Thank you Senator Portantino and Governor Newsom for putting your time and efforts into ensuring that California students will be screened and given access to additional supports before falling significantly behind their peers.
Kristen K 2 weeks ago2 weeks ago
Thank you for recognizing the importance of early screening for reading risk and dyslexia. As a tier 2 reading intervention teacher I rely on this information to support intensive instruction for my youngest learners. This screening data is not about labeling students, but rather providing instructional support and intervention as SOON as possible — rather than waiting for students to fall behind! Thank you!
Glenda Carvalho Sell 2 weeks ago2 weeks ago
Thank you Governor Newsom and State Sen. Anthony Portantino for all your efforts to ensure California kids are screened for reading difficulties, including dyslexia. As Lori DePole wrote, “Research shows it takes 4X less time to intervene in late kindergarten than in 4th grade.” #Literacy is a civil right.
Jenny Ramaswamy 2 weeks ago2 weeks ago
Finally! California is on track to catch up with the rest of the nation on this issue. I’m thrilled for all the young future readers in this state who will have the opportunity to be screened early and assisted appropriately in their learning journey. Thank you Gov. Newsom for making this a priority as it is an investment in our state’s future.
Cristine Carrier Schmidt 2 weeks ago2 weeks ago
This is fantastic news for all Californians! Dyslexic people are bright, capable learners who need identification and effective interventions to reach their true potential. The cost of leaving dyslexic students to struggle, anxiety and self doubt, along with the compounding Matthew effect from knowledge not acquired due to reading challenges, is far far too high!
Erin P. 2 weeks ago2 weeks ago
Thank you for thoughtfully covering this important issue and reporting on the thrilling development that the Governor's budget includes K-2 universal screening for reading difficulties, including risk of dyslexia. It is imperative that CA join the other 40 states in providing this critical tool to identify those children at risk for dyslexia as early as possible. I have personally witnessed the dramatic difference that early identification and intervention has made with my two dyslexic children. … Read More
Thank you for thoughtfully covering this important issue and reporting on the thrilling development that the Governor’s budget includes K-2 universal screening for reading difficulties, including risk of dyslexia. It is imperative that CA join the other 40 states in providing this critical tool to identify those children at risk for dyslexia as early as possible. I have personally witnessed the dramatic difference that early identification and intervention has made with my two dyslexic children. I know that this screening will change lives for the better!
Haya 2 weeks ago2 weeks ago
Thank you for covering this story. As a learning support specialist, I work with many students who are English learners and who struggle to learn to read due to phonological processing issues such as dyslexia. If these at-risk students are not screened and identified, they will be denied early reading intervention which is systematic, explicit, and multi-sensory; they will struggle with literacy and remain below grade level, effectively taking away their opportunity to achieve equal … Read More
Thank you for covering this story. As a learning support specialist, I work with many students who are English learners and who struggle to learn to read due to phonological processing issues such as dyslexia. If these at-risk students are not screened and identified, they will be denied early reading intervention which is systematic, explicit, and multi-sensory; they will struggle with literacy and remain below grade level, effectively taking away their opportunity to achieve equal academic opportunities and success. Please don’t leave English learners behind!
Jennifer Z 2 weeks ago2 weeks ago
This is incredible progress for all students who struggle to read. I commend Governor Newsom and Senator Portantino for prioritizing this critical step into equitable access to reading instruction. Thank you EdSource for covering such an important topic!
Irene Tackett 2 weeks ago2 weeks ago
Thank you Ed Source for this feature on dyslexia screening. Thank you Governor Newsom and Senator Anthony Portantino. This is necessary to identify students as soon as kindergarten. No more waiting until third grade or beyond when children know they are not thriving while their classmates are…one in five students struggle with dyslexia.
Renee Webster-Hawkins 2 weeks ago2 weeks ago
Thank you Senator Portantino for your laser focus on what children need to thrive! There is a reason why 40 states already require mandatory screening for dyslexia as the most common learning difference affecting our school children — a neurological learning difference that impacts people regardless of the language of origin! While this should not have been a fierce battle, so much credit for shifting the political winds goes to the Senator’s leadership, and the … Read More
Thank you Senator Portantino for your laser focus on what children need to thrive! There is a reason why 40 states already require mandatory screening for dyslexia as the most common learning difference affecting our school children — a neurological learning difference that impacts people regardless of the language of origin! While this should not have been a fierce battle, so much credit for shifting the political winds goes to the Senator’s leadership, and the impactful journalism by EdSource and other reporters nationally. Thank you Governor Newsom for fixing a broken part of our education system. A statewide screening mandate will give teachers and parents the information they need for all students to have access to high quality literacy instruction regardless of zip code.
Mindy M 2 weeks ago2 weeks ago
Early screening will give teachers and parents/caregivers the information they need to help all students learn to read. These early grades are the window of opportunity when targeted teaching can turn a struggling student into a confident reader. Early intervention will save California millions in the long run as fewer students will face huge achievement gaps in later grades. So many kids and families will benefit from this policy. Thank you to EdSource for the … Read More
Early screening will give teachers and parents/caregivers the information they need to help all students learn to read. These early grades are the window of opportunity when targeted teaching can turn a struggling student into a confident reader. Early intervention will save California millions in the long run as fewer students will face huge achievement gaps in later grades. So many kids and families will benefit from this policy. Thank you to EdSource for the coverage and to Senator Portantino and Governor Newsom for moving this important policy.
Heather Martin 2 weeks ago2 weeks ago
Hats off to EdSource for your reporting on such a critical issue facing children in California. As the mother of a dyslexic child who did not receive early screening and intervention, I know first hand the long-term challenges (both emotionally and academically) that children face. We know better and must do better for ALL children. Thank you to Governor Newsom for your recent inclusion of this in the May revise and Senator Portantino for your … Read More
Hats off to EdSource for your reporting on such a critical issue facing children in California. As the mother of a dyslexic child who did not receive early screening and intervention, I know first hand the long-term challenges (both emotionally and academically) that children face. We know better and must do better for ALL children. Thank you to Governor Newsom for your recent inclusion of this in the May revise and Senator Portantino for your ongoing leadership on this issue. We can no longer wait to fail.
Lois Luckey Treiber 2 weeks ago2 weeks ago
Thank you EdSource for bringing this to the attention of all Californians. And thanks to all who supported early dyslexia screening. It is long overdue and a necessary step towards identifying kids that struggle to read. Let’s follow the science and use all our tools to help kids read!
Mindy Luby 2 weeks ago2 weeks ago
We have failed our students for far too long. Being able to determine the level of need early on changes a child’s life trajectory. Early screening leading to early intervention is imperative and will hopefully be implemented and executed in a way that benefits all of our students.
Donna Gatewood-King 2 weeks ago2 weeks ago
As a special education teacher, I feel it is critical that we screen our younger students to make certain they are on track as readers. It is very hard to close the educational gap when a fourth grader starts RSP (special education services for children with learning disabilities) and cannot read. They suffer from depression and anxiety as a result of waiting so long to receive the instruction that they need to learn how to … Read More
As a special education teacher, I feel it is critical that we screen our younger students to make certain they are on track as readers. It is very hard to close the educational gap when a fourth grader starts RSP (special education services for children with learning disabilities) and cannot read. They suffer from depression and anxiety as a result of waiting so long to receive the instruction that they need to learn how to read. It is much easier for children to learn to read in the early grades when the learning gap is not as wide. Reading is a civil right. Let’s do the right thing and get all of our children reading.
Rachel Hurd 2 weeks ago2 weeks ago
Universal screening for risk of reading difficulties, including dyslexia, in the early grades has great value in helping teachers and grade-level teams inform their multi-tiered systems of support to provide targeted early instruction so that all students have a solid foundation to achieve high levels of literacy. Thank you, EdSource for your continued and thorough coverage of universal screening for reading difficulties, including risk of dyslexia. Thanks also to Senator Portantino for championing this issue … Read More
Universal screening for risk of reading difficulties, including dyslexia, in the early grades has great value in helping teachers and grade-level teams inform their multi-tiered systems of support to provide targeted early instruction so that all students have a solid foundation to achieve high levels of literacy. Thank you, EdSource for your continued and thorough coverage of universal screening for reading difficulties, including risk of dyslexia. Thanks also to Senator Portantino for championing this issue legislatively and to Governor Newsom for his recent decision to include the provisions of the Senator’s bill in the May Revision of his budget proposal!
Dana R. 2 weeks ago2 weeks ago
Early screening would’ve made all the difference for my daughter and countless other children. Thank you EdSource for shining a light on this. Let’s get this done!
Robert Mullenger 2 weeks ago2 weeks ago
Early screening would have made a huge difference for our family. We are thankful for the support of Senator Portantino and Governor Newson to move this forward despite the opposition from the teachers union. Our kids deserve better.
Rachel Levy 2 weeks ago2 weeks ago
As a state, we must embrace a model of prevention, not a model of failure.
Universal screening will help more CA kids become successful readers.
I appreciative Governor Newsom and Senator Portantino for their leadership.
Virginia Merwin 2 weeks ago2 weeks ago
Thank you Govenor Newsom, State Sen. Anthony Portantino, UCSF, and CTA for ensuring kids are properly screened for dyslexia. With your help, dylsexic children can get the support they need to reach their full potential. Thank you, Carolyn Jones and EdSource for reporting on this important topic.
Dena Glynn 2 weeks ago2 weeks ago
This is so needed within our state and a long time coming!! I’m so thankful CA is getting on board for our students that need these supports! As a teacher, advocate, and mother of CA school children, we need our teachers, community and especially our administrators to recognize and help support our students with dyslexia and reading problems.
Sandee Fosberg 2 weeks ago2 weeks ago
My family struggled for years to get the right services for my son. Early screening would have made a huge difference to us and countless others. I support early screening whole heartedly.
Caylin Wade 2 weeks ago2 weeks ago
Early screening is so needed in our schools. Come on CA let’s get better for our kids!!
Jennifer Salma 2 weeks ago2 weeks ago
Thank you Senator Portantino and Governor Newsom for standing behind universal screening for risk of dyslexia and other reading challenges. Speaking as the parent of a dyslexic child, and for hundreds of others I have met along this journey, screening for risk of dyslexia is desperately needed. Thank you EdVoice for championing and reporting on this issue.
Olga 2 weeks ago2 weeks ago
I am wondering it this dyslexia screener accounts for lack of experience/opportunity for those students who live in poverty or language proficiency. Many of our students are neither fully proficient in English or Spanish. I would like to see how this dyslexia screening was designed. You should never judge a test on face value.
Replies
Cristine Carrier Schmidt 2 weeks ago2 weeks ago
It’s a screener, it doesn’t give a diagnosis. But if a child is suffering from “dysteachia” rather than dyslexia, wouldn’t you agree that student would also benefit from increased attention and support?
Karen Rosenquist 2 weeks ago2 weeks ago
Thank you, Ed Source, for your reporting. Thank you, Senator Portantino, for your continued advocacy for every California student with reading challenges. Thank you, Gov. Newsom, for allocating budget to get screening done and done right. I have renewed hope that CA will be the 41st state to require universal screening for risk of dyslexia.
michelle de werd 3 weeks ago3 weeks ago
As a Santa Barbara County Board of Education member, the fact we don’t do this screening already is wrong and irresponsible. School districts/County Offices of Education can screen because it is the right thing to do, and should not wait until they are mandated. When screening does not happen, we wait for a child to fail, to fall farther behind in all subjects. The children and families get discouraged, some become discipline problems, then we … Read More
As a Santa Barbara County Board of Education member, the fact we don’t do this screening already is wrong and irresponsible. School districts/County Offices of Education can screen because it is the right thing to do, and should not wait until they are mandated.
When screening does not happen, we wait for a child to fail, to fall farther behind in all subjects. The children and families get discouraged, some become discipline problems, then we try to fix it. This is the absolutely the wrong approach. I speak for myself and not the Santa Barbara County Board of Education. Thank you Governor Newsom.
Stephanie Simpson 3 weeks ago3 weeks ago
I know I speak for countless parents of children with reading difficulties throughout the state of California when I say THANK YOU to Governor Newsom and Senator Portantino for changing the lives of thousands of children and families in the years to come. The partnership between Governor Newsom and Senator Portantino on universal screening for reading difficulties, including risk of dyslexia, is something this state has desperately needed for a very long time. After reading the … Read More
I know I speak for countless parents of children with reading difficulties throughout the state of California when I say THANK YOU to Governor Newsom and Senator Portantino for changing the lives of thousands of children and families in the years to come.
The partnership between Governor Newsom and Senator Portantino on universal screening for reading difficulties, including risk of dyslexia, is something this state has desperately needed for a very long time.
After reading the Governor’s revised budget yesterday and hearing that he anticipates universal screening getting through the legislature without issue, I am left feeling hopeful for a brighter future for students than those, like my children, who have struggled within California’s education system.
In the words of Governor Newsom himself, “let’s get this done, and done right.”
Cherie Dorreen 3 weeks ago3 weeks ago
We thank Governor Newsom & Senator Portantino for their dedication and support for Universal Screening. Early identification is a priority to support children who maybe at risk of a learning disability. Early identification minimizes the stigma and shame associated with learning disabilities that often leads to mental health struggles. By providing the right interventions early we minimize the widening of the opportunity gap for these children and give them opportunity to succeed. It’s … Read More
We thank Governor Newsom & Senator Portantino for their dedication and support for Universal Screening.
Early identification is a priority to support children who maybe at risk of a learning disability. Early identification minimizes the stigma and shame associated with learning disabilities that often leads to mental health struggles.
By providing the right interventions early we minimize the widening of the opportunity gap for these children and give them opportunity to succeed. It’s time to remove our states current “Wait to Fail” and be proactive in our approach!
Lori DePole 3 weeks ago3 weeks ago
Thanks to Governor Newsom and Senator Portantino for their leadership on this important issue. Early annual screening of all children for reading difficulties, including risk of dyslexia, provides schools and parents with critical information needed to address early intervention. Research shows it takes 4X less time to intervene in late kindergarten than in 4th grade. This is a significant step for CA in improving literacy outcomes for all kids.