SEL and Behavioral Screeners:
Supporting Whole-Child Development
Supporting students’ social, emotional, and behavioral health is just as important as academics. SEL and behavioral screeners help schools understand how students are doing beyond grades, identify those who may need extra support, and make better-informed decisions to promote well-being.
CEE offers a validated solution for districts: the Student Universal Wellness Screener (SUWS)—a research-based tool built to deliver actionable insights that support student mental health and engagement at scale.
The CEE Approach: Student Universal Wellness Screener
The SUWS is a research-based, equity-centered screener developed by CEE to assess academic behavior, social skills, emotional regulation, and school connectedness. Students complete it quickly and confidentially, with results feeding into a real-time dashboard that supports MTSS, PBIS, and SEL systems across the school year.
To address common limitations, CEE created the Student Universal Wellness Screener (SUWS)—a streamlined, equity-centered tool already in use by leading districts.
What SUWS Measures
SUWS uses student self-reporting to evaluate four core domains:
Academic Behavior
Social Behavior
Emotional Health and Regulation
Sense of Belonging and School Connectedness
Students complete the brief screener quickly and confidentially. The results feed into a live dashboard for real-time visibility and progress tracking.
Key Features of SUWS
Dashboard updates with real-time student data
Filters by grade level, gender, ethnicity, and program
Built-in Tier 2 follow-up screener
Inclusive design supports accessibility and equity
Backed by over 20 years of research from CEE
SUWS integrates smoothly into existing SEL, MTSS, and PBIS systems and helps schools monitor trends across the year.
The Role of SEL and Behavioral Assessment Tools in Schools
SEL and behavioral screeners help schools identify students needing additional support, track competencies like empathy or resilience, and strengthen MTSS or PBIS systems. These tools promote proactive, data-informed student care and improve instructional planning.
Implementing these screeners helps schools:
Identify students in need of Tier 2 or Tier 3 supports
Track SEL competencies like empathy, resilience, or cooperation
Strengthen MTSS and PBIS frameworks through early warning systems
Guide student support meetings and family communications
Enhance Tier 1 instruction and professional development with real student data
Ultimately, SEL screeners provide a proactive, data-driven approach to student care.
Commonly Used Screening Tools in Schools
Popular screening tools like DESSA, SAEBRS, and BASC-3 BESS help schools evaluate social-emotional and behavioral needs. While effective for early identification, many tools vary in delivery and may lack flexibility, cultural responsiveness, or real-time data features.
Several widely adopted tools help assess social-emotional and behavioral needs:
DESSA – Focuses on strengths-based SEL evaluation
SAEBRS – Screens for academic, behavioral, and emotional risk
BASC-3 BESS – Offers broad behavior and emotional screening for early identification
These screeners vary in length, delivery method, cost, and how data is reported. While effective, many lack flexibility, culturally responsive design, or real-time data tools that support daily practice integration.
Real Examples of SUWS Driving Impact
Improving Belonging Through Data
A large district screened all students three times per year. When SUWS results flagged low belonging scores in middle schools, leaders launched new student voice panels and advisory groups. Engagement scores rose steadily by year’s end.
Using Data for Tiered Supports
In another district, high emotional behavior scores triggered small group counseling and family outreach. Within months, participating students showed marked improvements in emotional regulation and as well as classroom engagement.
How to Implement SEL Screeners Effectively
Effective SEL screening requires staff training, clear communication with families, data privacy safeguards, structured follow-up systems, and consistent screening schedules. With the right support and planning, schools can integrate screeners like SUWS into MTSS and SEL frameworks with fidelity.
Whether using SUWS or another tool, successful screening depends on thoughtful implementation. Best practices include:
Train school staff to administer and interpret results
Communicate the purpose of screening to students and families
Protect data privacy and limit access appropriately
Create structured follow-up systems for Tier 2 and Tier 3 supports
Establish regular screening cycles (typically 2–3 times per year)
CEE provides onboarding support and ongoing technical assistance to help districts implement screening with fidelity and purpose.
FAQs
What are SEL and behavioral screeners?
They are brief tools that assess students’ emotional, behavioral, and social well-being, helping schools identify those who may need support.
What makes SUWS different from other screeners?
SUWS is built for K–12 use, uses self-reported data, includes real-time dashboards and equity filters, and has a built-in follow-up tool—all backed by 20+ years of research.
Can SUWS support MTSS and PBIS systems?
Yes, it aligns perfectly with tiered systems of support, informing interventions at all levels.
How often should screeners be used?
Most schools use SEL screeners 2–3 times per year, though SUWS allows flexible scheduling and continuous progress monitoring.
Learn More
Bring SUWS to Your School or District
CEE partners with schools and districts nationwide to implement the Student Universal Wellness Screener (SUWS)—ensuring every student is seen, heard, and supported.
Contact us to schedule a demo or learn how SUWS fits within your SEL and wellness strategy.