ERIC Number: EJ1205550
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2018-Dec
Pages: 12
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0279-6015
EISSN: N/A
Examining the Stability, Accuracy, and Predictive Validity of Behavioral-Emotional Screening Scores across Time to Inform Repeated Screening Procedures
Dever, Bridget V.; Dowdy, Erin; DiStefano, Christine
School Psychology Review, v47 n4 p360-371 Dec 2018
Preschool has been recognized as an optimal time to provide behavioral and emotional supports to children; however, there is a need to examine the stability, accuracy, and predictive validity of universal emotional and behavioral screening scores in early childhood to inform procedures for repeated screenings across time. The present study included a sample of 1,014 students assessed with the Behavioral and Emotional Screening System Teacher Preschool screening form and comprehensive, omnibus teacher rating scales in preschool through first grade. Results indicated that scores from the Behavioral and Emotional Screening System Teacher screener were relatively stable within the school year and showed evidence of predictive validity of clinical problems in early childhood. To help identify who may benefit from a repeated screening later in the academic year, receiver operating characteristic curve analyses were conducted. A cut score of 51 emerged as a useful cut point to minimize expended resources and maximize sensitivity and specificity in finding new cases of risk. Implications for practitioners are discussed, including those related to the efficiency, timing, and frequency of screening in early childhood.
Descriptors: Screening Tests, Accuracy, Predictive Validity, Scores, Test Reliability, Behavior Rating Scales, Behavior Problems, Emotional Problems, Preschool Children, Kindergarten, Grade 1, Elementary School Students, Longitudinal Studies, Preschool Teachers, Elementary School Teachers
National Association of School Psychologists. 4340 East West Highway Suite 402, Bethesda, MD 20814. Tel: 301-657-0270; Fax: 301-657-0275; e-mail: publications@naspweb.org; Web site: http://www.nasponline.org/publications/
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Kindergarten; Primary Education; Early Childhood Education; Grade 1; Elementary Education; Preschool Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: Institute of Education Sciences (ED)
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: South Carolina
IES Funded: Yes
Grant or Contract Numbers: R324A100104