Behavior Universal Screener

What is the behavior universal screener?

It is a tool used to help identify students who are at risk of future academic, behavioral, or emotional difficulties. Just like some students benefit from additional academic supports and interventions, we know some students would benefit from additional support to strengthen their behavioral, social, and emotional skills.

The data generated from this screener will also help us determine district and school-wide programs, interventions, and training needs for staff.

Our district is using the research-based screening tool Behavior Intervention Monitoring Assessment System-2, or BIMAS-2 (pronounced BYE-mahs two).

We have been phasing in the screener since 2019. All WCPSS schools will be screening students by 2027.

Participation in the behavior universal screener is voluntary and parents are given at least one week notification to opt their student out of the universal screening.

How does it work?

Students’ homeroom or second period teachers complete a 1-page questionnaire about students’ actions and emotions they displayed in class during a one week time period.

Teachers will complete the questionnaire twice a school year, typically around the beginning of the second and fourth quarters. 

Examples of questions on the screener:

• During the past week, this student shared what they were thinking about.
• During the past week, this student had trouble paying attention.
• During the past week, this student followed directions.
• During the past week, this student acted sad or withdrawn.

For each question, the teacher will answer “never,” “rarely,” “sometimes,” “often,” or “very often.”