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School Board meetings are typically held at Bliss Educational Services Center. (Metro Wire photo)

Stevens Point schools enhance behavioral support with b.e.s.t. program

By Patrick Lynn

STEVENS POINT, Wis. – The Stevens Point Area Public School District has partnered with Security Health Plan to implement the b.e.s.t. (Behavioral Emotional Social Traits) program for the 2024-25 school year, providing educators with tools to foster emotional well-being and identify students who may need additional support.

The online screening tool, developed by Marathon County-based school psychologist Eric P. Hartwig, Ph.D., offers educators strategies to “help students thrive,” according to the district. The program has been used in 85 school districts since its 2013 launch, impacting more than 400,000 students and 12,000 educators.

“We are making bold strides in understanding why children behave the way they do,” Hartwig said in a news release. “Teachers play a pivotal role in influencing children’s lives, especially those who struggle. By placing teachers at the center of real-time support, we are building personal relationships in the classroom and establishing schools as places of predictable belonging, safety, and shelter.”

Jennie McMahon, the district’s director of student services, said the new program will enhance existing screening processes. The district replaced its FastBridge screener with aimsweb for students in 4K through third grade, prompting the search for a replacement tool. The district was awarded a Security Health Plan grant to implement the b.e.s.t. screener.

“We believe our staff will be excited to return to this platform,” McMahon said. “Our 4K program has retained the b.e.s.t. screener, and we are enthusiastic about the continuity this will provide from 4K through elementary.”

Jenny Shermo, chief growth officer at Security Health Plan, said the program supports long-term community health.

“Healthy children are the foundation of a healthy community,” Shermo said. “By equipping teachers to address emotional well-being and identify students needing extra support, we’re building a brighter future for our youth – and for all of us who share this community.”

The district’s b.e.s.t. package includes technical support, bi-annual student screenings, training, and ongoing assistance to ensure a successful rollout.