A model of self concept in children was examined by conducting a construct validation of a self concept instrument, the Self-Appraisal Inventory (SAI). The SAI was an 80-item instrument with four subscales: General, Family, Peer and Scholastic, all of which were based on behavioral objectives. The model was made more useful for a school setting after additional testing. What emerged was a 65-item instrument with six subscales: positive relationships with family; positive relationships with peers; school--academic competence; denial of negative feelings; agreement with positive statements regarding self; and school--enjoyment of classroom situation. (Author/MV)