Universal Screening 

Harrisonburg uses a variety of universal screening tools in the areas of social-emotional skills, literacy, and mathematics. There are two major purposes for a universal screener. The first is that it is given to all students so they help educators identify who is currently meeting, exceeding, or performing below grade level expectations in the given domain. These assessments help educators find students who might require additional interventions or support. Oftentimes the term ‘at risk’ is used when a student is performing below grade level expectations. Educators must find students who are demonstrating ‘at risk’ indicators quickly so the needs can be addressed efficiently.

Generally universal screeners are given two to three times a year (fall, winter, spring). Screening data should be used in conjunction with other data points about a student to determine the best course of action to meet the need. The second major purpose of universal screeners is to inform the grade level/school/system of how effective Tier 1/universal instruction is at meeting the student population. When the number of students demonstrating ‘at risk’ indicators is above a given threshold that tells the educators that the Tier 1/universal instruction must change to meet the needs of the whole group. 

List of Current Universal Screeners