Helena Public Schools has enhanced the process of creating systems of academic and social-emotional support linked directly to the assessed needs of our students. This system, known as Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS), provides all students with timely and targeted interventions based upon the results of universal screening tools in reading, writing, math, and behavior.
Universal screening helps school staff to determine which students may be in need of intervention, both academically or behaviorally. These screenings can include recent results of state or district tests as well as specific academic or behavior screening tests; these screening assessments are typically administered to all students two or three times per year. Students whose scores fall below a certain cut-off are identified as possibly needing more specialized academic or social or emotional interventions. The use of universal screenings refines and strengthens our efforts to help all of our students be successful by allowing us to take positive and preventative measures as early as possible.
The universal screening tools in math, writing and reading are very similar to tools we use every day to help us determine where students might have gaps in knowledge and need assistance. The behavior screening tool, BASC-BESS – Behavior and Emotional Screen System, focuses on academic and emotional strengths and behaviors of students.
The BASC-BESS is completed by teachers in grades K, 1st and 2nd and, students in grades 3rd, 4th and 5th. The results of the tool will be used to provide students with mentoring, social skill building and other supports to help them engage positively in learning. As with our academic universal screenings, you will be notified if your student is selected for participation in an intervention program.
Thank you for your willingness to assist Helena Public Schools in building a system of student supports that is linked directly to data. This will ensure that each of our students has the opportunity to receive the assistance they need to achieve academic and social-emotional success.
We will be conducting the screening from February 5th to February 9th. Please contact my office via email or phone by February 2, 2024, if you wish to have your child opt out of the screening.
