A r c h i v e d  I n f o r m a t i o n

Audience Approved by PEP for students in regular elementary grades (K-6) who may be at risk for developing either externalizing or internalizing behavior disorders.

Description Systematic Screening for Behavior Disorders (SSBD) provides a solution to the problems of under-referral of students who may develop behavior disorders by giving regular classroom teachers uniform behavioral standards for use in reducing the idiosyncratic nature of teacher referrals. This mass screening process, which occurs early in a child's school career, is a multiagent, multimethod approach.

The screening occurs in three stages: teacher nominations of groups of children whose characteristic behavior patterns most closely resemble profiles of behavior disorders occurring in the school setting and ranking of those students; screening of students in terms of behavioral severity and defining the content of their behavior problems using a series of ratings items and systematic observation of students using a classroom code and a playground code.

SSBD has been constructed under the following beliefs: teachers in least restrictive environments are more likely to refer pupils who exhibit externalizing behaviors that they perceive as aversive, while under-referring pupils with internalizing disorders; teacher rankings and ratings combined with direct observation is necessary to assess pupil behavior; and academic engaged time and peer-related social behavior are important indicators.

Evidence of Effectiveness In six separate studies, SSBD provided a reliable procedure for systematically screening and identifying elementary school students who demonstrate potential behavior disorders. In six additional studies, SSBD proved to be an accurate procedure that discriminates potential behavior disorder students from nondisordered or nonat-risk students within regular classrooms.

Requirements The only major requirement is mastery of the classroom and playground observation codes in stage three of the screening and identification process.

Costs Costs to an adopting district involve purchase of materials ($195 per building) and training ($400 per day). Consumable products are minimal and no special staff, equipment, or facilities are required.

Services Awareness materials are available at no cost.

Contact

Rebecca Williamson, P.O. Box 18466, Boulder, CO 80308. (303) 651-1751. Dr. Herbert Severson, Oregon Research Institute, 1899 Willamette, Eugene, OR 97401. (503) 484-2123.

Developmental Funding: Federal, state, and local.
PEP No. 90-01 (2/8/90)

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