Screenings

Students in kindergarten and grades 1,3,5, and 7 shall be screened for vision and hearing problems annually at any time during the reporting year prior to May 31. 25 TAC 37.23 (c),(d).

When a student's initial enrollment in the District is also the student's initial enrollment in any Texas school,(i.e. PK and New-to-District) the student shall be screened for possible vision and hearing problems. This screening shall occur prior to completion of the first semester of enrollment or within 120 calendar days of enrollment, whichever is longer. Students may meet this requirement by providing evidence of screening conducted one year prior to enrollment. 25 TAC 37.23 (a)

The student or minor student's parent, managing conservator, or guardian, may elect to substitute one or more professional examinations for the required screening tests. Health and Safety code 36.005 (a)

Grade-based screening is considered an acceptable alternative to age-based screening in a school setting.  The grades, however, must align with the professionally recommended ages so that most children are screened at the appropriate age, or as close to it as reasonably possible.

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, once at age 10 (or fall semester of grade 5) and again at age 12 (or fall semester of grade 7).
• Boys will be screened one time at age 13 or 14 (or fall semester of grade 8).

If the screening indicates the student may have an abnormal spinal curvature, the principal shall send the original of the screening report to the student's parent, managing conservator, or guardian along with a letter advising of the parent's responsibility to select and appropriate health practitioner for an examination. 25 TAC 37.148 (e)