Board hears kindergarten dyslexia screening update; approves middle school academic programs

District academic staff told the board they will administer a state-required kindergarten dyslexia screening using the DIBELS 8 instrument. The screening is part of Ohio—s dyslexia screening requirements and follows last year—s rollout of DIBELS 8 for grades K-3. Administrators said the assessment is used for universal screening, benchmark assessment and progress monitoring, and that students flagged by the winter assessment will have parents notified and receive formal interventions and additional assessment.

"When we look at the dyslexia screening measures for our kindergartners, the goal is to quickly identify students who are at risk for reading difficulties, reflect upon the data and adjust instruction based on the student's individual needs," said Missus Marple, speaking for the Department of Academics and Student Learning.

Administrators also described the middle school academic programs second reading; the board approved the middle school academic programs for the 2025-26 school year. The motion to approve the middle school academic programs was moved by Missus De Silva, seconded by Missus Gillis, and passed 4-0 on a roll call.

Staff described the scheduling season timeline: principals and counselors will begin communicating scheduling details to rising middle-school students and families; the district uses course-request data for staffing and schedule planning and follows a schedule verification process after requests are submitted to ensure accuracy before staffing is finalized.

Board members asked whether interventions for students flagged by dyslexia screening are formal; staff said the law specifies formal interventions including progress monitoring and follow-up assessments.