Should I opt my child out of a reading screening if they have an IEP?

Parents are allowed to opt their child out of reading screenings. However, our experts agree that there is no need to opt your child with a disability out of the screening; there is a lot to be gained from taking the short reading screener. Kristin Wright says, "Students with intellectual disabilities and complex communication needs and other types of disabilities can also have dyslexia. And so sometimes reading issues I think can be attributed just to the primary disability, which can kind of mask treatable reading disorders like dyslexia. So we don't want to not screen or think that because we've done certain assessments that covers all the bases." She also emphasizes the importance of discussing what accommodations and supports might make the screening more accessible with your IEP team.

For more information, see our full article What California’s New K–2 Reading Screenings Could Mean for Your Child.