State Mandated Screenings

The Texas Department of State Health Services requires students in designated grades who attend public, private, or charter schools to be screened for specific conditions that could impact their ability to learn or impact their health and well-being in the future. The state-required screenings will be performed during the school year by a certified screener who has received additional training and certification to perform the screening.

A screening is not a diagnostic test and cannot identify the specific problem or suggest treatment options. A screening is a very simple test and can indicate if a student would benefit from further evaluation. Any potential problems or concerns identified during the screening will be reported to the parent/guardian and the student will be referred to a professional for further evaluation.

If you do not wish the district nursing staff/certified screeners to perform the screenings, you may substitute a professional examination by a health care provider of your choice. Because these screenings are state mandated, your consent to these procedures is automatic unless you notify the school district in advance. Please contact your campus nurse for information on when the assessments and screenings are conducted so that your student can timely coordinate his or her examination/screening by the health care provider of your choice. 

 
Vision and Hearing Screenings
Kindergarten, 1st grade, 3rd grade, 5th grade, 7th grade

Type II Diabetes Risk Assessment (AN) Acanthosis Nigricans
1st grade, 3rd grade, 5th grade, 7th grade
Acanthosis Nigricans is a skin condition that signals high insulin levels in the body. It appears as a light brown or black, velvety, rough or thickened lesion on the surface of the skin. It can be found on the neck, armpits, and over the knuckles. Children who have the Acanthosis Nigricans marker on their skin may be at-risk for developing Type 2 Diabetes. The AN marker does not mean the student has diabetes. A student who is identified as having evidence of the marker will be referred to their health care provider for evaluation.

Postural or Spinal Screenings
School-based spinal screening helps to identify adolescents with abnormal spinal curves and refer them for appropriate follow-up by their primary care physician. Screening can detect scoliosis at an early stage, when the curve is mild and may go unnoticed. Early detection is key to controlling spinal deformities. In compliance with Health and Safety Code, Chapter 37, all children shall undergo screening for abnormal spinal curvature in accordance with the following schedule: 

• Girls will be screened two times, ages 10 and 12. 
• Boys will be screened one time either at age 13 or 14.