Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS) Districtwide Universal Screening

Dear Lake Chelan Families:

 

Lake Chelan School District utilizes a framework known as a Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS) which provides tiered academic and social-emotional supports linked directly to the assessed needs of students. A crucial component of MTSS is districtwide universal screening in both academic and social-emotional areas. 

 

Universal screening is a process by which students’ level of required support is determined using a brief screening tool. Students who score above an identified cutoff level are considered to receive additional or intensified support based on identified areas of need. Engaging in the universal screening process facilitates the early identification of students’ needs and allows for more timely prevention and intervention to be established. Intervening as early as possible helps reduce or even eliminate the long-term negative impact on students’ behavioral, emotional, social and academic performance. Just as academic supports are provided in response to identified gaps in student knowledge, social-emotional screening tools allow us to identify the areas in which students need assistance building skills. Social-emotional skills help students engage with academic material and support their long-term success.

 

The state of Washington recently adopted social-emotional learning (SEL) standards that we as a district are responsible for helping students reach. As of January 2020, Washington state adopted the following SEL Standards:

  1. SELF-AWARENESS: individuals have the ability to identify their emotions, personal assets, areas for growth, and potential external resources and supports.
  2. SELF-MANAGEMENT: an individual has the ability to regulate emotions, thoughts and behaviors.
  3. SELF-EFFICACY: individuals have the ability to motivate themselves, persevere, and see themselves as capable.
  4. SOCIAL AWARENESS: individuals have the ability to take the perspective of and empathize with others from diverse backgrounds and cultures.
  5. SOCIAL MANAGEMENT: individuals have the ability to make safe and constructive choices about personal behavior and social interactions.
  6. SOCIAL ENGAGEMENT: individuals have the ability to consider others and show a desire to contribute to the well-being of school and community. 

Lake Chelan School District will utilize the Behavior Assessment System for Children – Third Edition Behavioral and Emotional Screening System (BASC-3 BESS) during the week of October 1st and 8th. The BASC-3 BESS screening form is completed by students and teachers and measures a variety of behavioral and emotional skills that are important to student success. 

 

The data collected using the BASC-3 BESS will be used to identify students who may require additional support in the area of social and emotional health. Mentoring, social skill building and other supports to help address these needs will be available following the screening process.  Please know prior to implementing any intervention(s) with your student, you will be notified if your student is recommended for further screening and participation and your school will request a written consent prior to implementing services.

 

If you have questions about the universal screening process or choose to have your student opt out of screening, please contact your school’s counselor no later than September 30th, 2021. As a parent/guardian, you have the right to opt out of the screening process. 

 

Thank you for helping the Lake Chelan School District provide a robust system of support for our students’ needs. We look forward to working together to ensure our students access a holistic educational experience that is responsive to each and every student.

 

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Charise Turner or Sarah Clarke.  

Sincerely, 

 

Sarah Clarke, 

 

 

Director of Student Services  

clarkes@chelanschools.org


Example of BESS questions for students:  

Answers: Never/Sometimes/Often/Almost Always

  1. Worries. 
  2. Is well organized. 
  3. Has poor self-control. 
  4. Is sad. 
  5. Is highly motivated to succeed.
  6. Gets into trouble. 
  7. Tries to help others be their best. 
  8. Changes moods quickly. 
  9. Annoys others on purpose. 
  10. Has a short attention span. 
  11. Defies teachers. 
  12. Is easily upset. 
  13. Is easily stressed. 
  14. Has trouble concentrating. 
  15. Disrupts other children’s activities.
  16. Completes assignments incorrectly because of not following instructions. 
  17. Is good at getting people to work together. 
  18. Disobeys.
  19. Has good study habits. 
  20. Appears tense. 

 

Comments are closed.