Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Social Emotional Assessment topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Committee reviews MTSS Playbook and state-required DESSA screening for K–8
Summary
The Curriculum Committee reviewed an MTSS Playbook from Effective Schools Solutions and discussed using the Devereux Student Strengths Assessment (DESSA) as a 30-second screen for K–8 social-emotional needs; the minutes state DESSA is required by state law and staff training would follow approval.
The Preston School District Curriculum Committee reviewed the Multitiered System of Supports (MTSS) Playbook provided by Effective Schools Solutions and discussed using the Devereux Student Strengths Assessment (DESSA) as a district screening tool for social-emotional needs.
Committee notes say the MTSS Playbook includes interventions, anti-bullying guidance, teacher procedures and attendance practices intended as staff resources. Members described the DESSA as a brief rating-scale screen (an initial 30-second assessment) that will identify students who need further, more extensive assessment; testing would begin in kindergarten and continue through grade 8. The minutes state the DESSA is required by state law and that, if approved, staff will receive training.
The committee did not record vote details in the minutes; the entry records the discussion and the requirement for staff training if the proposal is adopted. The district plans to use the MTSS Playbook and periodic DESSA screening to monitor student social-emotional health and to measure improvement following interventions.
