Dyslexia Screening

Indiana Code 20-35.5 requires all Indiana schools to administer a universal screener to all
kindergarten, first, and second grade students annually to identify students who may be “at
some risk” or “at risk” of not reaching reading proficiency. This early identification of students
who are not on track to be proficient readers allows early implementation of targeted support.

IC 20-35.5-2-2Screening of students
Sec. 2. The screening of students shall include, as developmentally appropriate, the following:
(1) Phonological and phonemic awareness.
(2) Sound symbol recognition.
(3) Alphabet knowledge.
(4) Decoding skills.
(5) Rapid naming skills.
(6) Encoding skills.

IC 20-35.5-1-7 defines a universal screener as an assessment used to aid educators in
understanding the causes for student performance, learning strengths, and the needs that
underlie student performance. The assessment is conducted to identify or predict students who
may be at risk for poor learning outcomes and is typically brief and conducted with all students
at a particular grade level.

Early elementary is a time of rapid growth and development in foundational literacy skills. IDOE
recommends providing a brief universal screening during the year to help prevent misidentifying
students as at risk or not at risk of not reaching reading proficiency for a prolonged period.
Please contact your student’s school with any questions or concerns regarding the universal
dyslexia screener requirements. For more information, please reference the Indiana Department
of Education’s Dyslexia Guidance.