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Board reauthorizes Amplify DIBELS 8 as K'1 universal screener; district to pilot Spanish version
Summary
Trustees approved continued use of the Amplify DIBELS 8 universal screener for elementary reading to comply with a state mandate requiring a screened instrument for K-2. The district will pilot the Spanish DIBELS 8 assessment for Spanish-primary-language students and expects to administer screenings beginning in 2025-26.
Carmel Unified reinstated the Amplify DIBELS 8 universal screener for kindergarten through second grade reading risk screening, citing a new state mandate and the district's established multi-tiered support systems.
Jen Martin, curriculum, instruction and assessment coordinator, described Senate Bill 114 and Ed. Code 53008 requiring a state-approved screening instrument for K-2 starting in the 2025-26 school year and explained that the state has approved four instruments and the district already uses Amplify DIBELS 8. Martin said best practice is to screen three times a year (beginning, middle and end) although the statute requires at least once in 2025-26. She said the tool flags possible reading risk but is not a diagnostic instrument or a disability determination.
Martin told the board the platform gives teachers color-coded reports and subtest detail that guide diagnostic follow-up (for example, Heggerty or other diagnostics) and intervention decisions. The district plans to pilot the Spanish DIBELS 8 (referred to in the presentation as a Spanish version) for students whose primary language is Spanish.
Trustees praised the presentation and a motion to continue with Amplify DIBELS 8 at the elementary level passed unanimously. The district will organize training, parent notification procedures (the law requires parent notification of screening results) and a cross-department team to finalize timelines and communication plans for 2025-26.
