How to use this checklist

Walk through your school with a teacher and a special education lead. Tick what is in place. Circle what is missing. Pick two items to fix this term.

School: ________ Principal: ________ Date: ________

Classrooms

• K to 3 teachers follow a clear phonics scope and sequence.
• Sound and letter work happens every day.
• Decodable books are available for beginning readers.
• Students practise reading words, not guessing from pictures.
• Instructions are given out loud and in writing.

Screening

• Every K to 2 student is screened at least twice a year.
• A named staff member leads screening.
• Results are reviewed within two weeks.
• Staff know screening is not a diagnosis.

Screening lead: ________

Intervention

• Students at risk start small-group help within weeks.
• Groups have no more than four to six students.
• Progress is checked at least every six weeks.
• Intervention time does not replace core reading time.

Intervention lead: ________

Accommodations and technology

• Text-to-speech works on every student device.
• Speech-to-text works on every student device.
• Students can get audiobooks.
• Extra time is given on tests when needed.
• Help starts without waiting for a diagnosis.

Staff

• All K to 3 teachers have structured literacy training.
• New staff are trained in their first year.
• Staff meetings include short reading practice segments.

Families

• Families are told before screening.
• Results are shared in plain language.
• Families know who to call with concerns.
• Families know how to ask for an assessment.

Family contact: ________

Assessment pathway

• Staff know the board's referral process for psychoeducational assessment.
• Staff know who can diagnose. Diagnosis is made by a licensed professional, usually a psychologist or psychological associate. In Quebec, a speech-language pathologist (orthophoniste) can also diagnose. Rules differ by province.
• Referrals are tracked with dates.

School culture

• Students hear that dyslexia is not about intelligence.
• Students are never asked to read aloud without warning.
• Student strengths are named and celebrated.
• Student voice is part of support plans.

Action plan

Two things to fix this term:

1. ---

   Owner: ________ Due: ________

2. ---

   Owner: ________ Due: ________

Next review date: ________