Universal Screening

The proactive, systematic process of collecting academic and non-academic data to identify students who may be at risk for not meeting grade level expectations as well as those who may be ready for instruction beyond grade level expectations.

Essential Features

Quality screening tools and sources are in place and used.

  • Brief, reliable, and aligned to valued outcomes
  • Inclusive of academic and non-academic data

A written process is in place and used for collecting universal screening data, including:

  • Administration schedule that includes screening all students, including the timely screening of newly enrolled students, in academic and non-academic areas more than once per year
  • Administration procedures to ensure data quality
  • Staff roles and responsibilities regarding the administration, collection, interpretation, and use of data

An integrated data system is in place and used to document and access student-level academic and non-academic data — represented visually or graphically — and support teams in using and analyzing data together (such as analyzing literacy data alongside attendance data) to inform decision-making.   

A written process is in place and used for the interpretation and use of universal screening data, including:

  • Procedure for identifying students at risk for not meeting grade-level expectations and students ready for instruction beyond grade-level expectations using data-based decision rules, which include a risk verification process
  • Procedure for using screening data to evaluate the overall effectiveness of Tier 1 core instruction in meeting student needs
  • Procedure for analysis of trend data to inform progress (including at system, building, and grade levels)
  • Procedure for analysis of disaggregated data to understand any disparate impact on achievement.

Conditions for Success

Shared Leadership

  • Quality screening tools and sources are selected and provided.
  • A written process is developed and provided for the gathering and maintenance of universal screening data. 
  • An integrated data system is provided that allows users to document and access individual student-level academic and non-academic data that are represented visually or graphically.  
  • A written process is developed and provided for the interpretation and use of universal screening data.
Learn more about shared leadership in the context of Ohio's Integrated Multi-Tiered System of Supports.

Professional Capacity

  • All staff understand and apply the benefits of using academic and non-academic data to inform decisions regarding student needs.
  • All staff understand and apply data literacy and integrated data-based decision-making.
  • Staff are trained in and can articulate the benefits and limitations of the assessments being used.
  • Staff are trained in administering universal screeners, ensuring that screening procedures are followed as designed.
  • Staff are trained in the collection, interpretation, and use of universal screening data.
Learn more about professional capacity in the context of Ohio's Integrated Multi-Tiered System of Supports.

Communication and Collaboration

  • Staff collaboratively review universal screening data and apply written data-based decision rules to inform decision-making.
  • Staff have bidirectional communication with leadership.
  • Processes exist to communicate with and involve families/caregivers regarding universal screening data.

Learn more about communication and collaboration in the context of Ohio's Integrated Multi-Tiered System of Supports.

Resources

Last Modified: 8/22/2025 1:39:25 PM