BIMAS-2 Frequently Asked Questions

What is the BIMAS 2?

The BIMAS-2, or the Behavior Intervention and Monitoring System, is a research-based screening tool used to help identify students who are at risk of future academic, behavioral, or emotional difficulties. Just like some students benefit from additional academic support and interventions, we know some students would benefit from additional support to strengthen their behavioral, social, and emotional skills.

How is the Universal Screener being used?

For students in grades K-5, teachers will complete a screening questionnaire on each of their students. Nothing is required of the students.

For students in grades 6-12, students will complete a student self-report. All efforts will be made to make the screening tool accessible to students in their native language.

Information from the screener will be used to help identify students who may need additional support and interventions. The screener may identify some students who are in crisis and may need immediate intervention. During screening days, additional support staff will be available in the school building.

The BIMAS-2 is not a diagnostic tool. One of the co-authors, Jim L. McDougal, is an associate professor at SUNY Oswego and former Mental Health Educator in the Syracuse City School District.

Why is SCSD using the BIMAS-2 screener?

This screener can help us identify students who are at risk of academic, behavioral, or emotional difficulties and provide additional support to strengthen these skills.

The tool also allows us to monitor and track students’ behavioral health over time, looking for any changes that could be a concern. The data generated will also help us determine district and school-wide programs, interventions, and training needs for staff and can analyze and evaluate which school initiatives are effective and identify opportunities for improvement.

Do other school districts in our area use this screening instrument?

There are several local districts that have used or currently use the BIMAS-2™, including Jamesville-Dewitt, Liverpool, Baldwinsville, Westhill, Cazenovia, Skaneateles, North Syracuse, Lafayette and others. Universal screeners are tools that schools can use to identify at-risk students and inform systemic social emotional learning initiatives and mental health prevention and intervention measures.

What type of questions are on the screener?

The following are examples of questions included on the screener:

• During the past week, this student was prepared for class.
• During the past week, this student had trouble paying attention.
• During the past week, this student followed directions.
• During the past week, this student appeared sad or withdrawn.

For each question, the teacher or student will select “never,” “rarely,” “sometimes,” “often,” or “very often.”

Can this screener be used to diagnose mental health or other psychological disorders?

No. This is a behavioral screener, NOT a diagnostic tool. If you are concerned about your child’s mental health, contact your pediatrician or your school’s Counseling Office for a list of local therapists, agencies, and other resources to support your child.

Does my child have to participate?

We believe that a student’s emotional health is as important as their academic skills and physical health in their readiness and ability to learn. Just like our schools begin to administer academic screenings starting in kindergarten, looking at our students’ social-emotional wellness provides another point of information to ensure our students are equipped to learn.

In accordance with the Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment (PPRA) and Board of Education Policy #7250, families who wish to have their children opt out of the BIMAS-2™ screening should notify their child’s building principal.

Who will have access to my child's responses? How will my child's responses be stored?

Teachers’ and students’ confidential ratings are maintained on the secure, online platform. Only by the student support team (school counselors, school psychologists, school administrators, and district administrators from Student Support) in the student’s respective school. This data will not be shared with any third parties. Teachers K-5 will have access to their ratings to guide instruction and intervention in their respective classrooms.

Can I review my child’s responses?

To review your child’s ratings, please contact your school’s counseling office.

What will the district do with the data collected from the administration of BIMAS-2™?

This valuable screening tool provides us with insight into the social and emotional health of our students. It also allows us to monitor and track students’ behavioral health over time, looking for any changes that could be a concern. Just like with our reading and math screenings, we will be using this information to provide interventions to students to help them grow. On a larger scale, the data generated from the BIMAS-2™ can help inform district and school-wide mental health and social emotional learning initiatives, prevention, intervention, and training needs for staff.

Daily, student support team members already work diligently with families and students to encourage the sharing of important wellness information with counselors, social workers and teachers, especially when it’s about ensuring student physical and emotional safety.

Who can I contact if I have more questions about the BIMAS-2™ or other mental health initiatives?

Please contact your child’s building social worker or Teresa Bowers, Director of Mental Health in the Syracuse City School District at 315-435-6474 or at tbowers@scsd.us.