Screening Heading

Req. Screening

The goal of health screening within a school setting is to detect possible health problems. Early identification and correction of defects will enable students to maximize their educational opportunities during the school year. The Texas Department of State Health Services Vision, Hearing and Spinal Screening requirements mandate that all children must be screened or have a professional examination for possible vision, hearing and spinal curvature problems.

Vision/Hearing Title

As part of the Health & Safety Code, Chapter 36, the Vision and Hearing Screening Program requires all children who attend public and private schools be screened or have a professional examination for possible vision/hearing problems at the following:

  • Children who turn 4-years-old by September 1

  • Kindergartners

  • New students to Wortham ISD (PK - 12th)

    • Screening for new students must be completed within 120 days of admission

  • 1st, 3rd, 5th, and 7th grader

Spinal Title

The requirements for Spinal Screening apply each year for all children who attend public and private schools, to detect abnormal spinal curvature in accordance with the following schedule:

  • Girls (screened twice) First screening must be done at age 10 (or grade 5) and age 12 (or grade 7)

  • Boys (screened once) Screening must be done at age 13/14 (or grade 8)

A student may be exempted from the mandated Spinal Screening if:

  • The student is actively under medical care by an appropriately licensed professional for one or more of the spinal problems for which the screening is performed. Proper documentation is required.

  • The student's parent/guardian executes an affidavit stating that the spinal screening will be conducted by an individual other than the school nurse. The affidavit must be submitted on or before the date spinal screenings will be conducted at school and the screening must be conducted within 60 days of the affidavit.

  • The screening conflicts with the tenets and practices of a recognized church or religious denomination of which the individual is a member. The affidavit must be submitted on or before the date spinal screenings will be conducted at school.