SDLA Compliance Resource
Give Families K–2 Screening Results and Interpretation Within 45 Calendar Days
A family communication that reports the result, explains uncertainty and limits, identifies next instructional steps, and connects concerns to support without diagnosing.
In Plain Language: Provide the result with a plain-language interpretation and next steps within 45 calendar days. Explain that the screener identifies possible risk; it does not diagnose dyslexia or determine special education eligibility.
Why this matters
A score without context can alarm families or falsely reassure them. The notice should connect evidence to instruction, monitoring, and a clear contact while preserving separate evaluation duties.
Joint ownership
Owner: screening coordinator/teacher. Partners: parent, reading specialist, multilingual staff, special education, and student support team.
Operational workflow
- 1. Calculate the 45-day result deadline from the administration date.
- 2. Validate score/student match and interpret it using the adopted tool’s current guidance.
- 3. Provide the result, risk meaning, limitations, instructional response, monitoring plan, and contact in an accessible language/mode.
- 4. Document delivery and route significant concerns to instruction/support and, when warranted, separate evaluation processes.
From result to action
Evidence to retain
- Administration and due dates
- Validated score report
- Interpretation/next-step notice
- Translation/access and delivery proof
- Support/referral follow-up
Official guidance and help
- CDE Screener FAQsResults timing and use
- CDE Approved ScreenersInstrument-specific interpretation
- Education Code section 53008Statutory requirements
Source review completed August 30, 2026. Verify current federal and California law, CDE and test-contractor manuals, local board policy, adopted instruments, individual student circumstances, and live system status before acting.