Screening
The Portage Area School District routinely conducts visual acuity screening for all students at each grade level. A hearing acuity screening is conducted in kindergarten, grades 1, 2, 3, 7, 11, and upon referral or when there is a known hearing loss. Speech and language skills are screened for all students in Pre-K, as well as, on a referral basis for students in any grade. A pre-referral process facilitates screening activities for students who demonstrate at-risk academic and/or behavioral concerns. Classroom teachers continuously assess gross motor, fine motor, academic skills, and social/emotional development. Results from the screening are recorded in the child"s official file. Screening information may be used by the Portage Area pre-referral team to plan, implement, and monitor appropriate interventions and to assist the student's progress in the general curriculum.