SCCSD Awarded Missouri River Historical District Grant for Vision Screening Devices
The Sioux City Community School District (SCCSD) was recently awarded a grant from the Missouri River Historical District (MRHD). Funds will provide the District with two SPOT vision screeners, allowing the District to test a larger percentage of SCCSD students more efficiently.
The new SPOT vision screener assesses seven major vision issues in both eyes simultaneously, allowing each assessment to be completed in approximately 15-20 seconds. An increase in testing efficiency will allow the Districts eight RNs to test kindergarten, third, and fifth-grade students with minimal interruption to classroom instruction time. In addition, students do not need to recognize letters or numbers, making the screening assessment useable for English Language Learners, non-verbal students, and students with special needs.
Vision testing is required for incoming kindergarten and third-grade students by the Iowa Department of Education. With access to two SPOT vision screeners, more students in the SCCSD will be identified and vision concerns impacting their learning potential can be remedied. Early detection and treatment are critical to student achievement and quality of life.
SCCSD nurses will begin using the SPOT vision screeners with students during the 2019-2020 academic year.
MRHD’s Annual Grant program helps fund programs and services throughout Woodbury County in areas such as health and human services and education.