OAR 581-022-2445: Universal Screenings for Risk Factors of Dyslexia

(1) School districts must universally screen for risk factors of dyslexia in kindergarten using a screening test that is on the Department’s approved list referenced in 581-002-1820 and administering the measures in each area in 581-002-1820(2)(b) with fidelity as per guidelines of the test developers. (2) If a student first enrolls in a public school in Oregon for first grade, school districts must screen the student in first grade using a screening test that is on the Department’s approved list referenced in 581-002-1820 and administer the measures in each area in 581-002-1820(2)(c) with fidelity as per guidelines of the test developers. (3) A school district may petition the Superintendent of Public Instruction or their designee to request selection of a screening test that is not included on the Department’s approved list. The written petition must specify the screening test the district proposes to use along with evidence that all of the criteria referenced in 581-002-1820 are met by the test. If it is determined that the test meets the criteria, the Superintendent of Public Instruction shall approve the request. (4) If a student shows risk factors for reading difficulties, including dyslexia, school districts must screen for a family history of difficulty in learning to read. (a) A student is determined to show risk factors for reading difficulty, including dyslexia, if: (A) Based on test developer guidelines, the student shows risk on the universal screening test; and (B) The student does not make adequate progress, as indicated by the progress monitoring measures aligned with the universal screener, as the result of evidence-based reading intervention provided in addition to regular core instruction. (b) The screening for family history: (A) Must be completed no later than the next universal screening period according to test developer guidelines if a child continues to show risk on the universal screening test. Students who first enroll in a public school in kindergarten or grade one at the final universal screening period of the school year and show risk on the universal screening test will be screened for family history of reading difficulties immediately following the universal screening; (B) May be conducted verbally or in a written format; (C) Will consist of asking a parent or guardian if an immediate biological family member has experienced difficulty in learning to read, write or spell; (D) Will include questions related to the student’s developmental history; and (E) Will be completed and documented by the classroom teacher, data-review team member, or designee of the team. (5) School districts must include students who are English learners in the universal screening for risk factors of dyslexia. (a) School districts will screen students who are English learners: (A) In the student’s native language, if the language of literacy instruction is in the student’s native language; (B) In English, if the language of literacy instruction is English; or (C) In the student’s dominant language, if the student is in a dual immersion program. (b) School districts may screen students who are English learners in English if a district does not have access to screeners in the student’s native language. (6) If a student enrolls in kindergarten or first grade in a public school in this state midyear, a school district must begin screening for risk factors of dyslexia no later than 30 school days following enrollment. (7) This rule is effective in the 2018-2019 school year.