Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Early Literacy topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Natomas Unified adopts DIBELS K–2 screening to identify early reading risk
Summary
The Natomas Unified School District board voted 5–0 to adopt the mClass DIBELS screener for kindergarten through second grade to comply with Senate Bill 114 and support the district’s early‑literacy initiative; the screener will be administered three times a year with family notification requirements.
The Natomas Unified School District board voted unanimously to adopt the mClass DIBELS screening tool for students in kindergarten through second grade.
Chief Academic Officer Angela Herrera told trustees that the selection aligns with Senate Bill 114 reporting requirements and the district’s early‑literacy initiative. “This is a screener to potentially identify reading difficulties. This is not a diagnosis of a particular type of reading difficulty,” Herrera said, describing the plan to administer the screener in the fall, winter and spring and to notify families at least 15 days in advance and provide results within 45 days.
Trustees asked about language access and how the screener fits with the district’s emphasis on the science of reading. Herrera said the vendor offers multiple languages when available and the district has an alternative screening process if the vendor does not support a student’s home language. Superintendent Castillo added that the components assessed by the screener are part of the district’s instructional framework.
Trustee Moore asked whether the vendor’s language supports would be used “if available,” and staff said the district will use the screener’s language versions where provided and develop district‑aligned alternatives as needed.
The motion to adopt mClass DIBELS was moved by Trustee Hardin, seconded by Trustee Mora and carried on a 5–0 roll call vote.
The board packet includes the district’s proposed assessment windows and timelines for parental notice and follow‑up supports; staff emphasized the screener is an early‑warning measure and not a special‑education eligibility tool.
