Which law requires universal reading screeners to be administered three times a year in kindergarten through third grade?
The correct answer and explanation is:
The READ Act in Minnesota (officially “Reading to Ensure Academic Development,” Minnesota Statutes § 120B.12) mandates that every student in kindergarten through third grade must receive a universal literacy and dyslexia screening three times per year—in the fall (within the first six weeks), winter (by February 15), and spring (during the final six weeks of the school year) (education.mn.gov).
📘 300‑Word Explanation
1. What the READ Act Requires
- At its core, the READ Act requires all public school students in K–3—including multilingual learners and students with disabilities—to be screened for foundational reading skills and characteristics of dyslexia using an approved universal screening tool. Screening is conducted three times a year: fall, winter, and spring (education.mn.gov).
2. Purpose and Foundations
- These screenings target phonemic awareness, phonics, decoding, fluency, oral language, and dyslexia indicators (education.mn.gov). This aligns with research-based RTI (Response to Intervention) best practices: early identification supports timely and tiered interventions for students at risk of reading difficulties (readingrockets.org).
3. Legal Text and Scope
- The law is codified under Minnesota Statutes 120B.12, replacing the prior “Read Well by Third Grade” initiative as of July 1, 2023. Importantly, it obligates districts not just to screen but also to report student-level data and submit a Local Literacy Plan, including screening results (education.mn.gov).
4. Practical Implementation
- The act stipulates clear windows for screening (e.g., winter by February 15), ensuring consistency. Approved tools must be capable of diagnosing both universal literacy skills and dyslexia markers, and screening results must feed into structured support plans for students identified as at risk (education.mn.gov).
5. Why Three Times?
- Administering screenings fall, winter, and spring enables schools to track progress, catch students who fall behind during the year, and plan summer or next-year instruction accordingly. Research shows multiple screenings are more effective than a single point-in-time check (readingrockets.org).
✅ Summary
The Minnesota READ Act mandates that all K–3 students be given a universal reading (and dyslexia) screening three times annually—in fall, winter, and spring—to identify, monitor, and support students at risk of reading challenges.