It is important to note that any of the specific screening models you select can be augmented depending on the school district, grade levels, and available resources. Schools should select screening models based on their goals, student population, and the specific areas they aim to address.

Once you get Buy-in, Clarify Goals and then consider Resources and Logistics (i.e. Staff involvement? Parent communication & readiness? Cost & time? Liability? Documentation? Timeline?)

Other considerations to weigh when selecting a model for your school.

• How does your school screen for academic performance? Are there people or processes that could be included in mental health screening?

• Mapping out the steps to implementation (resource mapping)

  • What resources can we draw upon? (services in and out of school) What resources do we need? What policies/practices do we need to develop?

  • What teams or groups are already working on something related to health/ mental health that we can expand?

• Potential barriers?

  • Is there enough funding for further Professional development? Will readiness to provide follow-up services change from Fall to Spring?

• Continued Assessment?

  • Will you capture assessment in Fall and then again in Spring?

Selecting a Screening Tool

• Is it reliable, valid and evidence-based?

• Is it free or can it be purchased for a reasonable cost?

• How long does it take to administer and score? 

• Does it come with ready access to training and technical support for staff?

• Does it screen for what we want to know?

It is important to ensure that any and all screenings are conducted ethically and with sensitivity.

Obtaining proper consent, ensuring confidentiality, and having trained professionals involved in the process are essential considerations.

Additionally, consider how your school could provide appropriate follow-up and support for students identified as needing further assessment or intervention. This is crucial when discerning which model best matches your current needs as your school is assessing the the available supports.

Model #1

:Direct-Wide

Other types of screenings

1. Academic Screening: This type of screening assesses students' academic performance and identifies those who may require intervention or enrichment in specific subjects such as reading, math, or writing. It can involve standardized tests, curriculum-based measurements, or progress monitoring tools.

2. Behavioral and Emotional Screening: These screenings aim to identify students who may be experiencing social, emotional, or behavioral difficulties. They can include checklists, rating scales, or surveys completed by teachers, parents, or students themselves. The purpose is to identify students who may benefit from counseling, social skills training, or behavior management strategies.

3. Developmental and Health Screening: These screenings focus on assessing students' overall development and health status. They may include assessments for motor skills, speech and language development, sensory issues, vision and hearing, or general health check-ups. The purpose is to detect any developmental delays, health concerns, or disabilities that may impact a student's learning.

4. Attendance and Truancy Screening: This screening involves monitoring students' attendance patterns and identifying those who exhibit chronic absenteeism or truancy issues. It helps identify students who may require additional support or intervention to address underlying factors impacting their attendance.

5. Social and Peer Relationship Screening: These screenings assess students' social skills, peer interactions, and overall social-emotional well-being. They may involve observation, self-report measures, or teacher assessments. The purpose is to identify students who may need support in building positive relationships, improving social skills, or addressing social-emotional challenges.

6. Response to Intervention (RTI) Screening: RTI is a multi-tiered approach that identifies students at different levels of academic or behavioral need. It typically involves a series of assessments and interventions to provide targeted support. The screening process helps determine the level of intervention required for each student.

7. Gifted and Talented Screening: This screening is used to identify students who demonstrate exceptional abilities or potential in academic, creative, or artistic domains. It often involves assessments, portfolios, or teacher recommendations to identify students for gifted and talented programs or specialized educational opportunities.