Students are experiencing greater levels of mental and behavioral-health issues that are affecting their educational experiences. Schools are providing services to try and address these issues with lack of resources and knowledge. Universal screeners can be a useful tool for schools to not only screen students for these concerns that don't have traditional grades, but also to evaluate Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS). Universal screeners are often brief, reliable, and valid assessments done with all students to identify their individual needs. The purpose of this study is to understand how to better identify and help students who need supports at school through the lens of intersectionality. To do this the study examined factors that may affect the scores of the SAEBRS and mySAEBRS universal screener at the middle school level. The study also examined best practices of MTSS and school personnel's use of universal screener data on program decisions. A mixed-method study was conducted, and findings indicate that the SAEBRS universal screener is a valid tool that schools can use, and its results are not dependent on variables outside the school's control. Areas looked at were demographics, teachers' experience/education level, and professional development. Results from the qualitative section indicate common issues and concerns schools face in applying universal screener scores in the evaluation and implementation of MTSS programs. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com.bibliotheek.ehb.be/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]