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SDLA Compliance Resource

Make Every K–2 Screening Notice and Result Meaningfully Accessible

A language-access control covering advance notice, written opt-out instructions, results, interpretation, next steps, and a reliable route for family questions.

  • K–2 Reading
  • Translation
  • Language Access
Date(s)At every parent communication; plan translations before the 15-day notice and 45-day results clocks begin
Applies toFamilies needing translated written materials, interpretation, disability access, or another effective communication format

In Plain Language: Provide required screening communications consistent with Education Code section 48985 and applicable federal language-access and disability-access duties. The 15-percent threshold is not permission to ignore an individual family’s meaningful-access needs.

Why this matters

A translated score label is not enough. Families must understand the purpose, written opt-out route, result limitations, instructional response, and how to ask questions.

Joint ownership

Owner: LEA language-access lead with screening coordinator. Partners: qualified translators/interpreters, family liaison, special education/504, communications, and vendor.

Operational workflow

  1. 1. Inventory home-language and communication needs before notices are produced.
  2. 2. Prepare and quality-check templates for notice, opt-out instructions, results, interpretation, and next steps.
  3. 3. Deliver through the family’s effective channel and offer a qualified interpreter/contact.
  4. 4. Track delivery, questions, corrections, and whether access was actually achieved.

Language-access chain

Identify need
Translate and review
Deliver accessibly
Interpret questions/results
Document effective access

Evidence to retain

  • Language/access roster
  • Approved translated templates
  • Translator/reviewer record
  • Delivery and interpretation proof
  • Questions, corrections, and follow-up

Official guidance and help

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.