SPRINGFIELD — Students and young people across America are facing unprecedented mental health challenges, especially in the wake of the pandemic. New guidance released by the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) will assist school districts in planning for the implementation of universal mental health screenings in Illinois schools.
The
Universal Mental Health Screening: Non-Regulatory Guidance for School Districts provides school districts with information on implementation planning, legal and privacy considerations, family engagement, and follow-up supports as schools prepare for statewide screening requirements.
“Mental health is a critical part of student well-being and academic success,"
said State Superintendent of Education Dr. Tony Sanders. “This guidance provides school districts with a framework for implementing universal mental health screening in a way that supports students, engages families, and helps connect young people to resources when additional support may be needed. By identifying concerns early, schools can help foster healthier learning environments where every student has the opportunity to succeed."
Beginning with the 2027-28 school year,
Public Act 104-0032 requires all school districts, unless approved for an extension by ISBE, to offer annual mental health screenings to students in grades 3 through 12. Parents will be notified when screenings are scheduled and can choose to decline the screening for their child.
Just as schools screen for vision and hearing to support learning, mental health checks promote students' well-being and educational success. Mental health screenings are designed to support students' overall well-being, including academic performance, attendance, and access to behavioral health services. The guidance notes that screenings can help identify both students' strengths and areas of emotional distress, allowing for early intervention and connections to appropriate supports before challenges escalate.
To support local planning efforts, the guidance includes a six-step implementation framework:
- Establish a School Implementation Team
- Plan Universal Mental Health Screening Communication
- Develop Implementation Policies and Procedures
- Administer the Screening Tool
- Conduct Follow-up Process
- Evaluate the Screening Process
The full guidance is available on ISBE's
Mental and Behavioral Health Screening webpage.
