Universal Behavior Screening

The Walton County School District (WCSD) is dedicated to supporting the whole child through coordinated and comprehensive programs and services that foster student wellness. To proactively identify students who may require additional behavioral or emotional support, WCSD utilizes universal behavior screening (NASP, 2009). This process provides critical insights into social-emotional health and helps schools refine their multi-tiered systems of support (MTSS).

Beginning in Fall 2025, WCSD initiated behavioral screenings for all secondary students and one elementary site. These screeners are administered twice annually, in September/October and February/March. Results are analyzed by district and school leadership to guide the planning and implementation of social-emotional and behavioral initiatives. Parents can access their individual student's results in the Parent Portal of Infinite Campus, under the Assessments tab. identified as Universal Behavior Screener.

Parent Resources

The following behavior screeners are administered to WCSD students twice each school year:

• Elementary School Students - Student Risk Screening Scale – Internalizing/ Externalizing (SRSS-IE)

• Middle and High School Students – Strengths & Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ)

The following tips are available to help parents promote positive mental health in their children:

• Tips for Parents of Elementary School Students
• Tips for Parents of Middle School Students
• Tips for Parents of High School Students

Notes

Opt-out forms will be sent out to parents prior to each screening administration via a Google Form link. Parents/guardians who do not want their child to participate in screening should complete and submit the Google Form by the date specified.

For more information about universal behavior screening, reach out to your child’s school counselor or Dr. Kraig Howell, AWARE Program Manager, at john.howell@walton.k12.ga.us.