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Oakrove board adopts Amira reading screener to meet state mandate under SB 114
Summary
The board voted April 10 to adopt Amira Learning as the district's reading difficulties risk screener to comply with SB 114/Education Code 530008, after a pilot and committee review; staff will begin training and implementation for the 2025–26 school year.
The Oakrove School District Board of Trustees unanimously approved on April 10 the district's adoption of Amira Learning as the reading difficulties risk screener required under California Senate Bill 114 and Education Code section 530008.
Assistant Superintendent Anna and Director Patricia Mondre Gondoti told trustees that a district committee evaluated the state‑approved options (MClass/DIBELS, mCLASS, DIBBELS, Amira) and piloted the tools with students and teachers. The committee recommended Amira because it is available in English and Spanish, offers multiple administration modes (one‑on‑one, small group, whole class), generates immediate teacher reports and family‑facing PDFs, and provides on‑platform diagnostic and personalized instructional resources.
Why it matters: SB 114 requires kindergarten through second‑grade screening for reading risk and timely parent notification. District staff said Amira's reports are designed to be family‑friendly and that the tool supports targeted interventions and progress monitoring. Director Mondre Gondoti said the product uses speech‑recognition technology and adaptive learning to streamline workflow for educators and to provide specific lesson recommendations for students identified as at risk.
Cost, timeline and accommodations: The committee recommended an initial procurement covered largely by state allocations tied to the mandate. Staff told trustees the district will pilot training in August, screen at beginning/middle/end of the year and provide teachers with professional development; schools will receive parent communications and printable guidance for activities families can do at home. Staff also said Amira supports accommodations and can be used in other grades for diagnostic purposes. The board asked staff to monitor implementation and report back after the first year.
Board action: The board approved the recommendation by roll‑call vote (Member Yolar, Member Martinez, Member Torres, Vice President Abear, President Yu — all voting yes). Staff will finalize an implementation plan, train staff in August and provide midyear and end‑of‑year updates to the board.
Ending: Director Mondre Gondoti said the tech engages students and that family reports will include concrete at‑home steps; trustees asked for ongoing teacher feedback and a district update after the first screening cycle.
