South Madison reports K–2 dyslexia screening; 58 students flagged for further evaluation

Doctor Miller, a district staff member, told the Board of School Trustees at its June 5 meeting that the district completed its annual dyslexia screening for kindergarten through second-grade students.

"I am here tonight to report to you our annual results from our dyslexia screening," Doctor Miller said, adding the screening is done within the first 90 days of school and uses a test certified by the state. She clarified the screening is not a diagnosis: a medical physician would diagnose dyslexia and the district is identifying students who show potential characteristics.

According to Doctor Miller, the district screened just over 1,000 students in kindergarten through second grade this year. The initial screening identified 58 students who showed characteristics warranting further assessment. With parental permission the district conducts a level 1 screening and begins interventions; staff then refine testing and supports as appropriate. "I noticed I left the percentage off of that 71. That's about that's right at 7 percent of our students that we have done we do intervention with on a regular basis," Doctor Miller said and said she would update the draft report with the percentage before posting it to the district website.

No formal action was taken by the board on the screening report at the meeting; the item was presented as information and board members had the opportunity to ask questions.

The presentation noted the screening is a state-certified process required within the first 90 days of the school year and that follow-up testing and parent notification are part of the district's procedure.