Early literacy screening will soon be coming to schools across BC, in an effort help students with reading challenges get help sooner.
The Province announced today that the first-of-its-kind intervention aims to aid those with dyslexia and other learning disabilities, in order to get them assistance they need as soon as possible.
The program kicks off this school year with Kindergarten students in in BC, who will be screened to determine where they are in their development of reading skills.
According to the Province, this short screening can identify early signs of reading difficulties and help ensure timely, targeted support is provided to students who may benefit from additional assistance.
“Starting school should be a time of discovery and excitement, but for some kids, it’s also when learning challenges first appear,” said Lisa Beare, Minister of Education and Child Care.
“Early literacy screening helps spot those challenges quickly so students can get the help they need at a younger age, before small struggles become big barriers. Every child should have the opportunity to thrive in school and that starts with recognizing their needs early and responding with care.”
The Province says that districts will use screening tools that align with the criteria set by the Ministry of Education and Child Care.
The ministry will be working with school districts, literacy experts, researchers and education partners to plan a team approach to screening for students—though this will begin with kindergarten this year, it will expand to Grades 1-3 in the next few years.
Last year, the BC government pledged $30 million across three years to support literacy initiatives to improve literacy for all children, including children with learning differences, such as dyslexia.
“As a kid, your job at school is to jump in, explore and start learning. But the start of school can also bring some significant challenges for students who struggle to read or write,” said Premier David Eby.
“By starting evidenced-based screening and interventions when kids are young, they can get extra help at a much earlier age, preventing them from needing more intensive supports when they get older.”
