Amplify's mCLASS Approved as K-2 Reading Screener in California
In a significant step for K-2 literacy education, Amplify has announced that its mCLASS® system has been approved by the California Reading Difficulties Risk Screener Selection Panel (RDRSSP). This program is one of only three screeners recommended for identifying students from kindergarten through second grade who face reading challenges in both English and Spanish. Notably, mCLASS stands out as the sole screener providing a dual language report that compares assessment results in both languages, along with instructional guidance on transferable skills across English and Spanish.
The mCLASS system incorporates the DIBELS® 8th Edition and mCLASS Lectura, creating a comprehensive tool for universal screening, dyslexia screening, progress monitoring, and targeted instruction grounded in the Science of Reading for students in grades K–6. With its user-friendly measures, mCLASS equips teachers to facilitate student progress and transform emerging readers into confident learners.
Melissa Ulan, executive vice president for literacy at Amplify, expressed the company's excitement regarding this recognition. She highlighted that mCLASS enables educators to accurately assess literacy needs through direct observation and detailed reports, ultimately empowering them to devise effective strategies that cater to each student's unique learning requirements.
The RDRSSP, comprised of literacy experts proficient in evaluating early literacy screening tools, commended several key aspects of the mCLASS program:
- - Strong Research Foundation: Developed in partnership with the University of Oregon, a leader in literacy assessment research, the mCLASS assessments display robust evidence of reliability and validity. They effectively evaluate students' key skills linked to dyslexia and other broader reading difficulties.
- - Cultural and Linguistic Responsiveness: mCLASS adeptly addresses California's rich tapestry of dialects and language needs by offering assessments in both English and Spanish. Additionally, it provides the flexibility for students to complete the English assessment with a Spanish-speaking proctor, ensuring inclusivity.
- - Efficient Screening: The gating and discontinuation rules are designed to streamline the testing process, ensuring that assessments are timely and targeted, thus eliminating unnecessary testing for students.
- - Actionable Insights: With mCLASS, educators gain access to real-time data interpretation and instructional guidance based on screening and progress results. The platform allows teachers, with just a click, to form differentiated, skill-based groups and access specific resources tailored to support their students effectively.
This approval means that school districts in California can begin evaluating mCLASS as their official K–2 screener for the upcoming 2025-2026 school year, marking a pivotal shift in how literacy needs are identified and addressed in early education.
Amplify has been a pioneer in K–12 education since 2000, establishing itself as a leader in next-generation curriculum and assessment. The company provides core and supplemental programs across subjects like English Language Arts, math, and science, aiming to inspire rigorous learning and critical thinking among students. Amplify's formative assessment tools assist teachers in pinpointing the precise instruction students require, thus laying a solid foundation in early reading and mathematics.
Today, Amplify serves over 15 million students across all 50 states and six continents, an accomplishment that underscores its commitment to education innovation. To find out more about their offering, visit
Amplify.com.