Reading Instruction in Elementary

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Anyone know how long ago MCPS has ditched the phonics? I recall when my son was in K, the teachers essentially told me I wasted my time when I taught him phonics in preschool. They told me that all kids eventually catch up with each other. They just seemed unimpressed and not thrilled about his reading level. They did have the break up the kids into different groups anyway, so I didn't see the issue, but they were clearly rolling their eyes when I shared how I prepared him. Pretty sure phonics was not being taught at the time. This was about 15 years ago.

As a parent of two children with disabilities, MCPS did not have a reading program to meet their needs. We were told with my oldest to not worry about her not meeting standards and not being on grade level that all students catch up by third grade. For students like my child (and about 25% of students) that wasn’t the case. In third grade, the elementary school acknowledged my child couldn’t read on grade level but they didn’t have a program for her.

I learned at that point to no longer trust MCPS. They were passing a child from grade to grade who could not read. I got my daughter privately tested and then my son when he showed the same difficulties. I hired a reading tutor who was an expert in Lindamood Bell. Within a year of services multiple times per week, my children learn skills to compensate for their disabilities that impacted reading.

MCPS views the bottom 25% of students as disposable. They have never had reading programs that will address every child’s needs even though there are many evidence based programs available.

Can you share information about where you found the tutor?

I’m concerned that my K kid still cannot read and she will be heading to first grade. We have voiced our concerns multiple times but the teacher assured us that she’s meeting expectations.

Same with my K kid. I think what concerns me the most is that they seem frustrated and don’t want to try to read even simple readers (like the first Bob books set). But when I broach to the teacher she assure me he is meeting expectations (all Ps) and not to worry.

You are correct to be concerned. My DD also refused to read Bob Books at home to us in K and was diagnosed with dyslexia in 2nd grade.

https://dyslexia.yale.edu/dyslexia/signs-of-dyslexia/#part-kindergarten-first-grade

Unfortunately teachers aren’t trained to recognize the signs.

[Anonymous]

DP but it's interesting how different districts conduct initial evaluations differently. My sister is a reading teacher in another state and the first week of school involves her evaluating every incoming kindergartener. Kids who need initial extra help/pull outs are identified off the bat. Whereas my kindergartner was evaluated by the classroom teacher, and not even until october/november.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Anyone know how long ago MCPS has ditched the phonics? I recall when my son was in K, the teachers essentially told me I wasted my time when I taught him phonics in preschool. They told me that all kids eventually catch up with each other. They just seemed unimpressed and not thrilled about his reading level. They did have the break up the kids into different groups anyway, so I didn't see the issue, but they were clearly rolling their eyes when I shared how I prepared him. Pretty sure phonics was not being taught at the time. This was about 15 years ago.

As a parent of two children with disabilities, MCPS did not have a reading program to meet their needs. We were told with my oldest to not worry about her not meeting standards and not being on grade level that all students catch up by third grade. For students like my child (and about 25% of students) that wasn’t the case. In third grade, the elementary school acknowledged my child couldn’t read on grade level but they didn’t have a program for her.

I learned at that point to no longer trust MCPS. They were passing a child from grade to grade who could not read. I got my daughter privately tested and then my son when he showed the same difficulties. I hired a reading tutor who was an expert in Lindamood Bell. Within a year of services multiple times per week, my children learn skills to compensate for their disabilities that impacted reading.

MCPS views the bottom 25% of students as disposable. They have never had reading programs that will address every child’s needs even though there are many evidence based programs available.

Can you share information about where you found the tutor?

I’m concerned that my K kid still cannot read and she will be heading to first grade. We have voiced our concerns multiple times but the teacher assured us that she’s meeting expectations.

Same with my K kid. I think what concerns me the most is that they seem frustrated and don’t want to try to read even simple readers (like the first Bob books set). But when I broach to the teacher she assure me he is meeting expectations (all Ps) and not to worry.

You are correct to be concerned. My DD also refused to read Bob Books at home to us in K and was diagnosed with dyslexia in 2nd grade.

https://dyslexia.yale.edu/dyslexia/signs-of-dyslexia/#part-kindergarten-first-grade

Unfortunately teachers aren’t trained to recognize the signs.

This isn’t the whole problem. Diagnosing kids with dyslexia in K and 1st can be very tricky because many of the signs also are things exhibited by kids just learning to read who don’t necessarily just get it at first but them do later. This is why explicit phonetic and multi sensory reading instruction is recommended because it can work for more students including many with reading disabilities and it will still show those learners that are picking things up more slowly and thus might need intervention and additional supports.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I believe they are piloting a systematic phonics instruction program this year for grades K-2 and are going to expand it to all schools next year. This is to do in tandem with Benchmark.

Why they chose Benchmark when it doesn't follow the science of reading is anyone's guess.

That’s the thing with MCPS - the good stuff is always ‘just around the corner’ - except it’s not or in such a small dose to be pointless. Heard it all with O-G training two summers ago. Guess it’s to give their outside counsel something to say in the IEP hearings

[Anonymous]

Is there any way to find out which schools will have structured literacy next year?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Anyone know how long ago MCPS has ditched the phonics? I recall when my son was in K, the teachers essentially told me I wasted my time when I taught him phonics in preschool. They told me that all kids eventually catch up with each other. They just seemed unimpressed and not thrilled about his reading level. They did have the break up the kids into different groups anyway, so I didn't see the issue, but they were clearly rolling their eyes when I shared how I prepared him. Pretty sure phonics was not being taught at the time. This was about 15 years ago.

As a parent of two children with disabilities, MCPS did not have a reading program to meet their needs. We were told with my oldest to not worry about her not meeting standards and not being on grade level that all students catch up by third grade. For students like my child (and about 25% of students) that wasn’t the case. In third grade, the elementary school acknowledged my child couldn’t read on grade level but they didn’t have a program for her.

I learned at that point to no longer trust MCPS. They were passing a child from grade to grade who could not read. I got my daughter privately tested and then my son when he showed the same difficulties. I hired a reading tutor who was an expert in Lindamood Bell. Within a year of services multiple times per week, my children learn skills to compensate for their disabilities that impacted reading.

MCPS views the bottom 25% of students as disposable. They have never had reading programs that will address every child’s needs even though there are many evidence based programs available.

Can you share information about where you found the tutor?

I’m concerned that my K kid still cannot read and she will be heading to first grade. We have voiced our concerns multiple times but the teacher assured us that she’s meeting expectations.

Same with my K kid. I think what concerns me the most is that they seem frustrated and don’t want to try to read even simple readers (like the first Bob books set). But when I broach to the teacher she assure me he is meeting expectations (all Ps) and not to worry.

You are correct to be concerned. My DD also refused to read Bob Books at home to us in K and was diagnosed with dyslexia in 2nd grade.

https://dyslexia.yale.edu/dyslexia/signs-of-dyslexia/#part-kindergarten-first-grade

Unfortunately teachers aren’t trained to recognize the signs.

This isn’t the whole problem. Diagnosing kids with dyslexia in K and 1st can be very tricky because many of the signs also are things exhibited by kids just learning to read who don’t necessarily just get it at first but them do later. This is why explicit phonetic and multi sensory reading instruction is recommended because it can work for more students including many with reading disabilities and it will still show those learners that are picking things up more slowly and thus might need intervention and additional supports.

Is mixing up lowercase b and d a sign of dyslexia or typical for kindergarteners?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Anyone know how long ago MCPS has ditched the phonics? I recall when my son was in K, the teachers essentially told me I wasted my time when I taught him phonics in preschool. They told me that all kids eventually catch up with each other. They just seemed unimpressed and not thrilled about his reading level. They did have the break up the kids into different groups anyway, so I didn't see the issue, but they were clearly rolling their eyes when I shared how I prepared him. Pretty sure phonics was not being taught at the time. This was about 15 years ago.

As a parent of two children with disabilities, MCPS did not have a reading program to meet their needs. We were told with my oldest to not worry about her not meeting standards and not being on grade level that all students catch up by third grade. For students like my child (and about 25% of students) that wasn’t the case. In third grade, the elementary school acknowledged my child couldn’t read on grade level but they didn’t have a program for her.

I learned at that point to no longer trust MCPS. They were passing a child from grade to grade who could not read. I got my daughter privately tested and then my son when he showed the same difficulties. I hired a reading tutor who was an expert in Lindamood Bell. Within a year of services multiple times per week, my children learn skills to compensate for their disabilities that impacted reading.

MCPS views the bottom 25% of students as disposable. They have never had reading programs that will address every child’s needs even though there are many evidence based programs available.

Can you share information about where you found the tutor?

I’m concerned that my K kid still cannot read and she will be heading to first grade. We have voiced our concerns multiple times but the teacher assured us that she’s meeting expectations.

Same with my K kid. I think what concerns me the most is that they seem frustrated and don’t want to try to read even simple readers (like the first Bob books set). But when I broach to the teacher she assure me he is meeting expectations (all Ps) and not to worry.

You are correct to be concerned. My DD also refused to read Bob Books at home to us in K and was diagnosed with dyslexia in 2nd grade.

https://dyslexia.yale.edu/dyslexia/signs-of-dyslexia/#part-kindergarten-first-grade

Unfortunately teachers aren’t trained to recognize the signs.

This isn’t the whole problem. Diagnosing kids with dyslexia in K and 1st can be very tricky because many of the signs also are things exhibited by kids just learning to read who don’t necessarily just get it at first but them do later. This is why explicit phonetic and multi sensory reading instruction is recommended because it can work for more students including many with reading disabilities and it will still show those learners that are picking things up more slowly and thus might need intervention and additional supports.

Is mixing up lowercase b and d a sign of dyslexia or typical for kindergarteners?

I did that as a kid and don't have dyslexia. Maybe it's a possible indication but I think it's also fairly common.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Is there any way to find out which schools will have structured literacy next year?

It's supposed to be rolled out for all schools with grades K-2 next year, then K-3 the year after, then K-4, etc.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Anyone know how long ago MCPS has ditched the phonics? I recall when my son was in K, the teachers essentially told me I wasted my time when I taught him phonics in preschool. They told me that all kids eventually catch up with each other. They just seemed unimpressed and not thrilled about his reading level. They did have the break up the kids into different groups anyway, so I didn't see the issue, but they were clearly rolling their eyes when I shared how I prepared him. Pretty sure phonics was not being taught at the time. This was about 15 years ago.

As a parent of two children with disabilities, MCPS did not have a reading program to meet their needs. We were told with my oldest to not worry about her not meeting standards and not being on grade level that all students catch up by third grade. For students like my child (and about 25% of students) that wasn’t the case. In third grade, the elementary school acknowledged my child couldn’t read on grade level but they didn’t have a program for her.

I learned at that point to no longer trust MCPS. They were passing a child from grade to grade who could not read. I got my daughter privately tested and then my son when he showed the same difficulties. I hired a reading tutor who was an expert in Lindamood Bell. Within a year of services multiple times per week, my children learn skills to compensate for their disabilities that impacted reading.

MCPS views the bottom 25% of students as disposable. They have never had reading programs that will address every child’s needs even though there are many evidence based programs available.

Can you share information about where you found the tutor?

I’m concerned that my K kid still cannot read and she will be heading to first grade. We have voiced our concerns multiple times but the teacher assured us that she’s meeting expectations.

Same with my K kid. I think what concerns me the most is that they seem frustrated and don’t want to try to read even simple readers (like the first Bob books set). But when I broach to the teacher she assure me he is meeting expectations (all Ps) and not to worry.

You are correct to be concerned. My DD also refused to read Bob Books at home to us in K and was diagnosed with dyslexia in 2nd grade.

https://dyslexia.yale.edu/dyslexia/signs-of-dyslexia/#part-kindergarten-first-grade

Unfortunately teachers aren’t trained to recognize the signs.

This isn’t the whole problem. Diagnosing kids with dyslexia in K and 1st can be very tricky because many of the signs also are things exhibited by kids just learning to read who don’t necessarily just get it at first but them do later. This is why explicit phonetic and multi sensory reading instruction is recommended because it can work for more students including many with reading disabilities and it will still show those learners that are picking things up more slowly and thus might need intervention and additional supports.

Is mixing up lowercase b and d a sign of dyslexia or typical for kindergarteners?

It is normal through 2nd grade. I teach KG and I'd say a good 1/3 of my students mix them up despite explicit instruction.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Anyone know how long ago MCPS has ditched the phonics? I recall when my son was in K, the teachers essentially told me I wasted my time when I taught him phonics in preschool. They told me that all kids eventually catch up with each other. They just seemed unimpressed and not thrilled about his reading level. They did have the break up the kids into different groups anyway, so I didn't see the issue, but they were clearly rolling their eyes when I shared how I prepared him. Pretty sure phonics was not being taught at the time. This was about 15 years ago.

As a parent of two children with disabilities, MCPS did not have a reading program to meet their needs. We were told with my oldest to not worry about her not meeting standards and not being on grade level that all students catch up by third grade. For students like my child (and about 25% of students) that wasn’t the case. In third grade, the elementary school acknowledged my child couldn’t read on grade level but they didn’t have a program for her.

I learned at that point to no longer trust MCPS. They were passing a child from grade to grade who could not read. I got my daughter privately tested and then my son when he showed the same difficulties. I hired a reading tutor who was an expert in Lindamood Bell. Within a year of services multiple times per week, my children learn skills to compensate for their disabilities that impacted reading.

MCPS views the bottom 25% of students as disposable. They have never had reading programs that will address every child’s needs even though there are many evidence based programs available.

Can you share information about where you found the tutor?

I’m concerned that my K kid still cannot read and she will be heading to first grade. We have voiced our concerns multiple times but the teacher assured us that she’s meeting expectations.

Same with my K kid. I think what concerns me the most is that they seem frustrated and don’t want to try to read even simple readers (like the first Bob books set). But when I broach to the teacher she assure me he is meeting expectations (all Ps) and not to worry.

You are correct to be concerned. My DD also refused to read Bob Books at home to us in K and was diagnosed with dyslexia in 2nd grade.

https://dyslexia.yale.edu/dyslexia/signs-of-dyslexia/#part-kindergarten-first-grade

Unfortunately teachers aren’t trained to recognize the signs.

This isn’t the whole problem. Diagnosing kids with dyslexia in K and 1st can be very tricky because many of the signs also are things exhibited by kids just learning to read who don’t necessarily just get it at first but them do later. This is why explicit phonetic and multi sensory reading instruction is recommended because it can work for more students including many with reading disabilities and it will still show those learners that are picking things up more slowly and thus might need intervention and additional supports.

Is mixing up lowercase b and d a sign of dyslexia or typical for kindergarteners?

No, it's not. Kids who can't rhyme (lack of phonemic awareness), kids who have trouble isolating sounds (what is the first sound in 'cat'?) are potentially signs of dyslexia.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Anyone know how long ago MCPS has ditched the phonics? I recall when my son was in K, the teachers essentially told me I wasted my time when I taught him phonics in preschool. They told me that all kids eventually catch up with each other. They just seemed unimpressed and not thrilled about his reading level. They did have the break up the kids into different groups anyway, so I didn't see the issue, but they were clearly rolling their eyes when I shared how I prepared him. Pretty sure phonics was not being taught at the time. This was about 15 years ago.

As a parent of two children with disabilities, MCPS did not have a reading program to meet their needs. We were told with my oldest to not worry about her not meeting standards and not being on grade level that all students catch up by third grade. For students like my child (and about 25% of students) that wasn’t the case. In third grade, the elementary school acknowledged my child couldn’t read on grade level but they didn’t have a program for her.

I learned at that point to no longer trust MCPS. They were passing a child from grade to grade who could not read. I got my daughter privately tested and then my son when he showed the same difficulties. I hired a reading tutor who was an expert in Lindamood Bell. Within a year of services multiple times per week, my children learn skills to compensate for their disabilities that impacted reading.

MCPS views the bottom 25% of students as disposable. They have never had reading programs that will address every child’s needs even though there are many evidence based programs available.

Can you share information about where you found the tutor?

I’m concerned that my K kid still cannot read and she will be heading to first grade. We have voiced our concerns multiple times but the teacher assured us that she’s meeting expectations.

Same with my K kid. I think what concerns me the most is that they seem frustrated and don’t want to try to read even simple readers (like the first Bob books set). But when I broach to the teacher she assure me he is meeting expectations (all Ps) and not to worry.

You are correct to be concerned. My DD also refused to read Bob Books at home to us in K and was diagnosed with dyslexia in 2nd grade.

https://dyslexia.yale.edu/dyslexia/signs-of-dyslexia/#part-kindergarten-first-grade

Unfortunately teachers aren’t trained to recognize the signs.

This isn’t the whole problem. Diagnosing kids with dyslexia in K and 1st can be very tricky because many of the signs also are things exhibited by kids just learning to read who don’t necessarily just get it at first but them do later. This is why explicit phonetic and multi sensory reading instruction is recommended because it can work for more students including many with reading disabilities and it will still show those learners that are picking things up more slowly and thus might need intervention and additional supports.

Is mixing up lowercase b and d a sign of dyslexia or typical for kindergarteners?

No, it's not. Kids who can't rhyme (lack of phonemic awareness), kids who have trouble isolating sounds (what is the first sound in 'cat'?) are potentially signs of dyslexia.

At what age do kids get diagnosed? I suspect my kindergartener has dyslexia but I am not positive. It could be just a case of her being a kindergartener.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Anyone know how long ago MCPS has ditched the phonics? I recall when my son was in K, the teachers essentially told me I wasted my time when I taught him phonics in preschool. They told me that all kids eventually catch up with each other. They just seemed unimpressed and not thrilled about his reading level. They did have the break up the kids into different groups anyway, so I didn't see the issue, but they were clearly rolling their eyes when I shared how I prepared him. Pretty sure phonics was not being taught at the time. This was about 15 years ago.

As a parent of two children with disabilities, MCPS did not have a reading program to meet their needs. We were told with my oldest to not worry about her not meeting standards and not being on grade level that all students catch up by third grade. For students like my child (and about 25% of students) that wasn’t the case. In third grade, the elementary school acknowledged my child couldn’t read on grade level but they didn’t have a program for her.

I learned at that point to no longer trust MCPS. They were passing a child from grade to grade who could not read. I got my daughter privately tested and then my son when he showed the same difficulties. I hired a reading tutor who was an expert in Lindamood Bell. Within a year of services multiple times per week, my children learn skills to compensate for their disabilities that impacted reading.

MCPS views the bottom 25% of students as disposable. They have never had reading programs that will address every child’s needs even though there are many evidence based programs available.

Can you share information about where you found the tutor?

I’m concerned that my K kid still cannot read and she will be heading to first grade. We have voiced our concerns multiple times but the teacher assured us that she’s meeting expectations.

What does your child know? Is there an expectation that kids read at all by the end of K?

Of course kids should have some level of reading by the end of K. The minimum in MCPS is level D.

This is the first I’ve heard about of these letters (I just had to google). Did you ask your teacher for this or did they provide? We just get the report card marks (P, etc.).

I think you have to ask the teacher?


Mcps is weird because they start out with numbers (1-16, which DRA) then they switched to J-z which is aligned with Fontas and Pinnell. You can usually look up conversion charts so that you can see that like a four and a d are about the same. The goal is usually to get a kindergarten student to about a four to a six, a first grader should be reading at about a 16 or a j and second graders should be at an M

None of this information is on the report card . I really hate the mcps report cards where there is no comments or anything personal about the report card I don't know if that was a decision made for secondary where teachers have hundreds of students I don't think it's fair to elementary school age kids they don't get any comments on their report card.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Is there any way to find out which schools will have structured literacy next year?

It won't really matter since any average kid will just get ignored anyway.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Anyone know how long ago MCPS has ditched the phonics? I recall when my son was in K, the teachers essentially told me I wasted my time when I taught him phonics in preschool. They told me that all kids eventually catch up with each other. They just seemed unimpressed and not thrilled about his reading level. They did have the break up the kids into different groups anyway, so I didn't see the issue, but they were clearly rolling their eyes when I shared how I prepared him. Pretty sure phonics was not being taught at the time. This was about 15 years ago.

As a parent of two children with disabilities, MCPS did not have a reading program to meet their needs. We were told with my oldest to not worry about her not meeting standards and not being on grade level that all students catch up by third grade. For students like my child (and about 25% of students) that wasn’t the case. In third grade, the elementary school acknowledged my child couldn’t read on grade level but they didn’t have a program for her.

I learned at that point to no longer trust MCPS. They were passing a child from grade to grade who could not read. I got my daughter privately tested and then my son when he showed the same difficulties. I hired a reading tutor who was an expert in Lindamood Bell. Within a year of services multiple times per week, my children learn skills to compensate for their disabilities that impacted reading.

MCPS views the bottom 25% of students as disposable. They have never had reading programs that will address every child’s needs even though there are many evidence based programs available.

Can you share information about where you found the tutor?

I’m concerned that my K kid still cannot read and she will be heading to first grade. We have voiced our concerns multiple times but the teacher assured us that she’s meeting expectations.

What does your child know? Is there an expectation that kids read at all by the end of K?

Of course kids should have some level of reading by the end of K. The minimum in MCPS is level D.

This is the first I’ve heard about of these letters (I just had to google). Did you ask your teacher for this or did they provide? We just get the report card marks (P, etc.).

I think you have to ask the teacher?


Mcps is weird because they start out with numbers (1-16, which DRA) then they switched to J-z which is aligned with Fontas and Pinnell. You can usually look up conversion charts so that you can see that like a four and a d are about the same. The goal is usually to get a kindergarten student to about a four to a six, a first grader should be reading at about a 16 or a j and second graders should be at an M

None of this information is on the report card . I really hate the mcps report cards where there is no comments or anything personal about the report card I don't know if that was a decision made for secondary where teachers have hundreds of students I don't think it's fair to elementary school age kids they don't get any comments on their report card.

They stopped providing that on the report card a few years ago. If you don't have kids in MCPS, please don't post.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Anyone know how long ago MCPS has ditched the phonics? I recall when my son was in K, the teachers essentially told me I wasted my time when I taught him phonics in preschool. They told me that all kids eventually catch up with each other. They just seemed unimpressed and not thrilled about his reading level. They did have the break up the kids into different groups anyway, so I didn't see the issue, but they were clearly rolling their eyes when I shared how I prepared him. Pretty sure phonics was not being taught at the time. This was about 15 years ago.

As a parent of two children with disabilities, MCPS did not have a reading program to meet their needs. We were told with my oldest to not worry about her not meeting standards and not being on grade level that all students catch up by third grade. For students like my child (and about 25% of students) that wasn’t the case. In third grade, the elementary school acknowledged my child couldn’t read on grade level but they didn’t have a program for her.

I learned at that point to no longer trust MCPS. They were passing a child from grade to grade who could not read. I got my daughter privately tested and then my son when he showed the same difficulties. I hired a reading tutor who was an expert in Lindamood Bell. Within a year of services multiple times per week, my children learn skills to compensate for their disabilities that impacted reading.

MCPS views the bottom 25% of students as disposable. They have never had reading programs that will address every child’s needs even though there are many evidence based programs available.

Can you share information about where you found the tutor?

I’m concerned that my K kid still cannot read and she will be heading to first grade. We have voiced our concerns multiple times but the teacher assured us that she’s meeting expectations.

Same with my K kid. I think what concerns me the most is that they seem frustrated and don’t want to try to read even simple readers (like the first Bob books set). But when I broach to the teacher she assure me he is meeting expectations (all Ps) and not to worry.

You are correct to be concerned. My DD also refused to read Bob Books at home to us in K and was diagnosed with dyslexia in 2nd grade.

https://dyslexia.yale.edu/dyslexia/signs-of-dyslexia/#part-kindergarten-first-grade

Unfortunately teachers aren’t trained to recognize the signs.

This isn’t the whole problem. Diagnosing kids with dyslexia in K and 1st can be very tricky because many of the signs also are things exhibited by kids just learning to read who don’t necessarily just get it at first but them do later. This is why explicit phonetic and multi sensory reading instruction is recommended because it can work for more students including many with reading disabilities and it will still show those learners that are picking things up more slowly and thus might need intervention and additional supports.

Is mixing up lowercase b and d a sign of dyslexia or typical for kindergarteners?

It is normal through 2nd grade. I teach KG and I'd say a good 1/3 of my students mix them up despite explicit instruction.

Our DC's doctor said it's normal through 2nd grade as well. She's now in 2nd grade and may occasionally confuse b/d but doesn't have dyslexia. What helped was a printout I found: b=belly, d=diaper. And there are silly stick-person drawings to contrast the two letters. Every time she'd confuse the two, I'd bring out the drawings and she'd get it, until next time.