Holding DPS Accountable to ENDS Statement 2.6: Ensuring Dyslexia Screening for All Students

Dear Community,

During my tenure on the Denver Public Schools Board of Education, I proudly sponsored ENDS Statement 2.6, which ensures that:

“All students, regardless of home language status, will be screened for dyslexia and other reading difficulties, and will be identified at an early age and begin receiving interventions prior to the completion of second grade to provide a solid foundation for learning. In addition, the district commits to screening new students entering the district.”

This policy was adopted to address long-standing inequities in identifying and supporting students with dyslexia. It was met with enthusiasm by many in our community, as it signaled the district’s commitment to early intervention. However, policies are only as effective as their implementation, and I am deeply concerned about the lack of transparency and accountability in this process so far.

I am also echoing the questions and concerns raised by DenCOKid during the DPS Board of Education meeting on October 21, 2024. With the superintendent’s evaluation currently underway, it is critical that the district provides clear answers to the following questions:

• What has the district learned from the dyslexia screenings to date?

• Who is administering the screenings, and are students in all schools being screened as required?

• Has the screening identified more students with dyslexia, and are the findings aligned with research from the NIH, which suggests that dyslexia affects roughly 20% of the population?

• Are students being identified equitably across language, race, ethnicity, and income levels? If disparities exist, what corrective actions will be taken?

• How are families informed about the results? Is the district using the term “dyslexia” explicitly in its communication, and are families receiving guidance on specific instructional strategies and accommodations tailored to their child’s needs?

• When will the community receive a public update on the progress and results of these screenings?

Our students deserve the opportunities and interventions promised by this policy. The superintendent must be held accountable for meeting these standards during this evaluation period, and the Board of Education must ensure full compliance. This is not just about fulfilling a policy — it is about ensuring that every child, regardless of their background, receives the support they need to thrive.

I remain committed to monitoring the district’s progress on this matter and will continue advocating for transparency and accountability. The community deserves to know if ENDS Statement 2.6 is being implemented with fidelity and how the district plans to address any gaps.

Thank you for your continued support. Together, we can ensure that no child is left behind.

Sincerely,

Auon’tai M. Anderson

Former Vice President, Denver Public Schools