Health Services » State Mandated Screenings

State Mandated Screenings

State Mandated Health Screenings
As required by law, the District school nurses will conduct vision and hearing screenings for specific students. Early identification and intervention of hearing loss is critical in supporting speech/language development and full participation in the learning process. Even mild hearing losses may be educationally and medically significant. Vision problems are common among school-aged children and adolescents. If vision problems are not detected and treated early, they can lead to permanent vision loss and learning difficulties. When a child has an undiagnosed vision problem, it makes it much more difficult for them to succeed in school and sports. Hearing and vision screenings will be conducted in grades TK/K, 2, 5, 8, and 10. A test for color deficiency will be administered to boys in first grade.
 
All screenings will be conducted for students in the grades described above unless the parent/ guardian requests annually, in writing, that his or her child be excluded. This written statement is placed in the student’s health record. In addition to mandated screenings, the district school nurses may conduct health assessments for special education purposes and for students referred by school staff. School-based health screenings provide only a snapshot of how the student performs on the day the screening was administered and are not a substitute for a complete exam. If you have any questions about the school screening programs, please contact the school nurse
 
Mandated Vision Screening
  1. Given to all students in grades TK, K, 2, 5, and 8th
  2. Purpose
    1. To detect possible poor near or distant vision
    2. To detect possible astigmatism, lazy eye, or muscle imbalance
    3. To detect any visual factors which may impair learning
  3. Color Vision Testing
    1. Given to all first-grade boys
    2. Purpose: To detect the genetic condition of red/green or total color vision deficiency
Mandated Hearing Screening
  1. Given to all students in grades TK, K, 2, 5, 8, and 10
  2. Purpose: To detect any temporary or permanent hearing loss which may impair learning and safety
Non-mandated Dental Services;
  1. Given to all students in all grades when applicable
  2. Purpose: To detect any dental health concerns.  
 
 
For more information on opting out of this mandated service, please refer to the ABC USD Student/Parent Handbook.