What is universal screening in school counseling, and why is progress monitoring essential?

• A. Screening all students to identify risk; progress monitoring tracks response to interventions; aids early identification and data-driven decisions.
• B. Screening only at-risk students; progress monitoring is optional.
• C. Screening tests are used for placement only; progress monitoring has no relation.
• D. Screens after failure; progress monitoring is not needed.

Answer: (C)

Universal screening involves administering brief, evidence-based assessments to every student to identify those who may be at risk for academic or behavioral challenges. Progress monitoring is the ongoing measurement of a student’s response to the interventions you put in place, so you can see what’s working and adjust supports as needed. Together, they enable early identification and data-driven decisions about who needs more intensive support and which interventions are effective.

Other approaches that limit screening to only some students, treat progress monitoring as optional or unrelated to screening, or use screening only after problems become evident don’t capture this proactive, data-informed process.