Learn how b.e.s.t. helps area students reach their best health.
The b.e.s.t. ® (behavioral, emotional, social, traits) Universal Screening Platform helps educators detect behavioral health issues early among school children and provides intervention strategies to help them thrive both in and beyond the classroom.
2023-24 b.e.s.t. funding recipients announced
Marshfield Clinic Health System and Security Health Plan have announced b.e.s.t. funding recipients for the 2023-24 school year. A total of 131 schools in 37 counties will benefit. See the list of recipients.
How the b.e.s.t Universal Screening Platform works
Eric Hartwig, Ph.D., creator of the b.e.s.t. universal screening tool, provides training to educators and support staff at the Point of Discovery School in Stevens Point.
Students get real-time support in the classroom.
The b.e.s.t. online screening tool uses a systematic method of quantifying behavioral observations to translate the principles of mental health wellness into practice. Educators screen each student with the tool and then receive simple behavioral health interventions to use, in real time, in the classroom. As a result, all students have the opportunity to receive positive support to help them learn new skills to manage their own behavioral health.
Test drive the platform
See how classroom assessments are managed from a teacher's perspective or experience b.e.s.t from an administrator's perspective by taking a test drive on the b.e.s.t website.
The benefits of b.e.s.t. on behavioral health
- Reinforces positive behavioral health for typically developing children while helping educators implement universal, positive behavioral health practices for children who may be struggling.
- Provides interventions for children with elevated risk status.
- Develops focused interventions for children with targeted needs.
- Provides context for more efficient and effective problem-solving discussions.
School districts throughout Wisconsin, as well as states across the country, have used the screening tool with an estimated 400,000 completed screenings in the database at the end of the spring 2023 screening window. This database continues to grow with each screening window.
Apply for b.e.s.t. funding
Security Health Plan and the Center for Community Health Advancement at Marshfield Clinic Health System are proud to partner with b.e.s.t. universal screening and provide school districts with tools to promote the behavioral health and well-being of children in our communities.
- Any school district within the Security Health Plan's service area is welcome to apply. Funding will be awarded on a first come, first served basis until capacity is reached.
- Marshfield Clinic Health System and Security Health Plan will cover b.e.s.t. implementation costs minus $600 for qualifying schools through the Healthy Schools Grant application.
- The application period will open soon for the 2024-2025 school year. Please check back for updates.
Resources
- FAQs
- b.e.s.t Universal Screening Platform
- What is b.e.s.t universal screening?, Eric P. Hardwig, PhD.
Questions
If you have any questions, please contact:Laura Zelenak, MS
Project Manager, Center for Community Health Advancement
Marshfield Clinic Health System
zelenak.laura@marshfieldclinic.org