Using Direct Behavior Rating (DBR) to Screen for School Social Risk A Preliminary Comparison of Methods in a Kindergarten Sample

In this study, preliminary evidence of the potential for Direct Behavior Rating (DBR) in screening assessment of school social behavior is provided through evaluation of the concurrent validity of DBR with a commonly used criterion measure. The teacher-completed form of the Social Skills Rating System (SSRS) was selected as the criterion measure given similarity to DBR in both broad construct of interest and intended use. Classroom teachers completed DBRs of academic engagement and disruptive behavior twice daily, along with fall and spring completion of the SSRS. Overall results support a moderate to strong association between the methods, with stronger correlations in the fall assessment period. In addition, evidence of teacher acceptability for DBR is provided. Along with specific recommendations for future research, implications are discussed regarding selection and interpretation of behavior assessment methods for screening purposes.