Screener data, by itself, will not result in improved outcomes for systems or the students they serve. Screener data that is actionable requires professionals to take action. While this seems patently obvious, it warranted being addressed by Romer et al (2020): “There is an ethical responsibility to enact meaningful decisions on said data (i.e., “screen to intervene”). It is unethical to collect data that requires the use of school time and/ or resources, without utilizing the data to inform service delivery.”

This means that even if districts understand the research-backed rationale for using a SEB screener, and remove barriers to commitment, and follow a best-practice roadmap to implementation, nothing will have changed if action is not taken to change what students see, hear, and experience as a result.

In this 3rd of our 4-part series, we will turn our attention to creating the roadmap for and indicators of a successful multi-faceted SEB screener implementation.

Setting the Stage for SEB Screenings

The journey toward implementing Social Emotional Behavioral (SEB) screenings is rooted in a deep-seated recognition of their intrinsic value: these screenings are a pivotal element in sculpting an educational environment that not only nurtures academic prowess but also fortifies the mental and emotional resilience of students. It is a proactive stance, one that underlines the commitment of educational leaders to embrace the multifaceted nature of student growth and well-being. By instituting SEB screenings, schools lay a strong foundation for a support system that is attuned to the holistic needs of students, recognizing that academic success is inextricably linked to social and emotional health.

Embracing SEB screenings is, therefore, a strategic and research-informed decision that can lead to a transformative educational culture—one where every student can thrive in a supportive and nurturing environment. The following items provided are the road markers districts need to be aware of to determine whether they are on the road to a quality implementation of a screener or veering off course.

In this 2nd of our 4-part series, we will focus on recognizing and overcoming the most common challenges to making a Social Emotional Behavioral (SEB) Screener a reality.

SEB Screeners Reflect a Standard of Care

District leaders, who bear the weighty responsibility of ensuring the success and well-being of their students, often find themselves at the crossroads of innovation and pragmatism. The implementation of Social Emotional Behavioral (SEB) screenings is a case in point—a transformative initiative that promises to redefine the educational landscape yet presents a tapestry of challenges.

At the core of deciding whether to adopt a universal SEB screening tool is the organization's dedication to a standard of care. This standard of care refers to how thoroughly and professionally the organization addresses all educational and developmental requirements of its students. The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) sets the academic baseline that public schools are expected to meet.

We’re ending the Whole Child Series with a strategy that turns students who are disruptive into school or classroom leaders. Think about the students who give any teacher, veteran or not, a run for their money at every turn. The students that drain every ounce of discretionary energy from you or touch the last nerve that is keeping you upright. They are also the students who, through their force field, get other kids to go along with their shenanigans.

Children test limits, forget their good behavior, and simply misbehave. It is vital that we learn about the goal of a child’s behavior. All behavior is purposeful. We can use an intervention to meet student needs if we understand what that behavior is saying. Along with this, it is imperative we maintain a safe and welcoming environment where our students feel like they belong and can flourish as learners. Our emotions matter a lot as well. When we are interacting with students, we can sometimes feel upset, angry, challenged or provoked. Students observe our behavior and react to us.

Nonverbals, along with our words and the tone we use when we speak, are integral to our communication. It only takes a few moments to see nonverbals in action in our schools. When students arrive in the morning, are they smiling and making eye contact or heads down and shuffling along the hallway? If you have implemented Warm Greetings, the nonverbals may be noticeably different.

Building on the 2 x 10 strategy from this blog series, there is another super strategy you and your school staff can implement tomorrow .

The 4 x 4 strategy, or Warm Welcomes, promotes a sense of acceptance and belonging. Learn more about how the community of Tacoma, WA implemented warm greetings.

As we begin another school year, 2022-23 has the potential to be “normal” for the first time since 2018-19. Even prior to the Pandemic, student mental health and well-being was a concern. And for good reason: estimates suggest one in five children struggle with mental illness, with many undiagnosed. Of those who receive a diagnosis, according to the CDC, only about 20% receive care from a specialized provider. Recent data recognizes the large role public schools play in the delivery of services to students in need.

The questions we asked before embarking on this series were: “What should I be prepared for as an educator when students return on day one?” AND “What super strategies can we provide to lighten an educator’s load knowing our students are suffering and many are unlikely to receive help outside of the schoolhouse?”