Amira Learning Receives Top Endorsement for K-2 Dyslexia Screening in California

December 18, 2024

Amira Learning, the creator of the first and only proven Intelligent Reading Assistant for teachers and AI Reading Tutor for students, has been formally recommended by the Reading Difficulties Risk Screener Selection Panel (RDRSSP) as the only screener unanimously approved for California school districts. This recommendation means California districts can partner with Amira to meet the mandatory K-2 Screening requirements (EC 53008) for the 2025-2026 school year.

In compliance with California Education Code 53008(b), the State Board of Education convened a panel of nine independent experts to evaluate early literacy screening tools. After a comprehensive review, the panel selected and approved Amira Learning on December 16, 2024 as a top-tier screening instrument for Kindergarten through Second Grade students, in both English and Spanish. 

“This endorsement highlights our innovative approach to early literacy assessment, intervention, and remediation," said Malia Vella, Vice President of State Partnerships at Amira Learning. "Early detection is the critical first step in supporting students' reading development and by identifying dyslexia risk as early as kindergarten, in a way that does not disrupt classroom instruction, we're providing educators and parents with the tools they need to intervene and support —ensuring every child has the opportunity to develop a strong foundation for lifelong learning."

Amira is the only recommended screener validated by university and SEA efficacy research that accelerates literacy outcomes by delivering the latest reading and neuro science with AI. Leveraging advanced AI technology, the system provides a fully AI proctored assessment that saves teachers valuable time, turns practice sessions into real-time progress monitoring data, provides AI-powered just-in-time tutoring,  delivers micro interventions, and offers immediate remediation guidance - down to the phoneme - to educators. A recent University of Houston study highlights the platform's critical importance, revealing Amira's ability to effectively identify 98% of students at risk for dyslexia, making it an essential tool in early literacy assessment and intervention.

As an Intelligent Growth Engine, Amira enables teachers to focus on core instructional responsibilities while seamlessly handling universal and dyslexia screening for K-2 students. The comprehensive platform provides precise risk identification and analysis, recommended interventions and integrated parent communication tools. By unifying assessment, instruction, and tutoring into a cohesive learning cycle, Amira offers districts a holistic solution that helps districts achieve instructional coherence across their literacy program. 

The company has seen success with its screener in other states. Amira was recently rated as the highest-scoring screener for Georgia’s mandated screening for K-3 students, and studies have consistently shown a significant effect on end of year literacy achievement for students who use Amira 30 minutes each week, particularly for at-risk readers. 

Click here to learn more about Amira’s solutions.