A Gap in Reporting: Student Demographic Information in Academic Universal Screening Studies

ABSTRACT Universal screening is an essential practice in any multi‐tiered system of support, but without understanding the demographic makeup of students in studies that inform current practices, the effectiveness in which instruments and screening approaches work best for students of demographically diverse backgrounds cannot be assessed. In this systematic review of eight major school psychology journals from 2001 to early 2024, 39 academic universal screening studies were identified. We summarized the reporting practices of the demographic makeup of samples and the types of measures used. When compared to national averages, Black students and students receiving free or reduced‐price lunch were underrepresented, while White students were overrepresented. Only six studies fully disaggregated results by racial and ethnic categories. Study results underscore the need for improved data reporting practices across school psychology journals.