Mill Valley board adopts mCLASS with DIBELS as K–2 reading screener; implementation, parent notice and training set for 2025–26

The Mill Valley School District Board of Trustees on a unanimous voice vote approved the district’s selection of mCLASS with DIBELS (8th edition) as its K–2 California reading‑difficulty screener and directed staff to finalize training and parent communications for fall 2025.

During a presentation, the district’s student‑learning staff explained the state requirement referenced in the presentation that districts must adopt a state‑approved screening instrument by June 30, 2025, and perform annual universal screening of kindergarten through second‑grade students to identify those at risk of reading difficulties. The presenter emphasized that the screening identifies risk — not a diagnosis — and must be paired with parent notification, the right to opt out, and follow‑up interventions and progress monitoring for students identified as at risk.

Staff recommended mCLASS with DIBELS because the district already uses components of the vendor’s assessments, the product offers an online platform with class‑ and district‑level reporting, includes an option for Spanish (MClass Lectura), and provides both benchmark screening and progress monitoring. The presenter said initial state funds for teacher training can be used and that training costs were included in the vendor’s initial price.

A trustee asked how the screener’s subtests relate to existing district measures and whether comprehension measures are available; the presenter noted mCLASS includes oral‑reading fluency and a maze‑style comprehension probe and said staff would return with additional detail about subtests and how those data will be used alongside the district’s other assessments.

Board President moved approval and the motion received a second; the board approved the recommendation without recorded dissent.

What happens next: staff will (1) finalize the district administration window so kindergarten students have received sufficient instruction for a valid assessment, (2) prepare written parent notice and opt‑out materials per state timelines, (3) schedule August training for K–2 teachers and intervention staff, and (4) align the district’s ELA assessment protocol and targeted intervention blocks to accommodate the new universal screener.

The vote followed the presentation and is effective immediately for planning; the first full district administration of the screener is scheduled for the 2025–26 school year with parent notices and training to precede screening.