The reliability of test scores for the pervasive developmental disorders rating scale

The Pervasive Developmental Disorders Rating Scale (PDDRS; Eaves, 1993) is a screening instrument used in the assessment of autistic disorder. In this study, the reliability of test scores for the PDDRS was examined with three samples. The first sample consisted of 456 participants ranging in age from 1 to 12 years old and the second sample consisted of 111 participants in the 13 to 24 year‐old range. Additionally, the test‐retest reliability of scores for the PDDRS was examined with a sample of 40 participants. The results indicated that coefficient alpha for the PDDRS Total Score was adequate for screening purposes (r = .89) for both age groups. The results of the test‐retest study also suggested that PDDRS had adequate test‐retest reliability (r = .92) for the PDDRS Total Score. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Psychol Schs 39: 605–611, 2002.     

The reliability and construct validity of ratings for the autism behavior checklist

The reliability and construct validity of ratings for the Autism Behavior Checklist were examined with a sample of 198 children diagnosed with autistic disorder and conditions often confused with autism. Alpha coefficients for the five scales of the ABC as well as the Total Score were reported and the factor structure of the ABC was examined through confirmatory factor analysis. The results of the reliability analyses indicated that the Total Score alpha coefficient of the ABC was adequate for screening purposes, but the reliabilities of the scales were not. Confirmatory factor analyses indicated some support for alternate four‐ and five‐factor models. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Psychol Schs 43: 129–142, 2006.     

Criterion‐Related and construct validity of the pervasive developmental disorders rating scale and the autism behavior checklist

This study investigated the validity of the Autism Behavior Checklist (ABC; Krug, Arick, & Almond, 1993) and the Pervasive Developmental Disorders Rating Scale (PDDRS; Eaves, 1993a). Both instruments are screening devices designed to measure characteristics of individuals with autistic disorder or, more broadly, pervasive developmental disorders. Results showed that the total scores of the ABC and PDDRS measure significantly overlapping constructs (r= .80). Further, both instruments significantly discriminated between participants with autistic disorder and children with diagnoses frequently confused with autistic disorder. Both instruments provided respectable indices for classification accuracy (PDDRS overall accuracy = 88%, ABC overall accuracy = 80%). Finally, the ABC and PDDRS agreed in their classifications of 85% of the 136 participants; a phi coefficient based on the instruments' nominal classifications of the participants equaled .68 (p< .001). © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.     

Relations among student attention behaviors, teacher practices, and beginning word reading skill

The role of student attention for predicting kindergarten word reading was investigated among 432 students. Using Strengths and Weaknesses of ADHD Symptoms and Normal Behavior Rating Scale behavior rating scores, the authors conducted an exploratory factor analysis, which yielded three distinct factors that reflected selective attention. In this study, the authors focused on the role of one of these factors, which they labeled attention-memory, for predicting reading performance. Teacher ratings of attention-memory predicted word reading above and beyond the contribution of phonological awareness and vocabulary knowledge. In addition, the relations between four teacher practices and attention ratings for predicting reading performance were examined. Using hierarchical linear modeling, the authors found significant interactions between student attention and teacher practices observed during literacy instruction. In general, as ratings of attention improved, better kindergarten word reading performance was associated with high levels of classroom behavior management. However, better word reading performance was not associated with high levels of teacher task orienting. A significant three-way interaction was also found among attention, individualized instruction, and teacher task redirections. The role of regulating kindergarten student attention to support beginning word reading skill development is discussed.     

Measuring approaches to learning in preschoolers: validating the structure of an instrument for teachers and parents

This study examined a 13-item instrument measuring approaches to learning (AtL) as a component of school readiness in the context of early childhood socio-emotional development. Few instruments, limited to preschool teacher ratings, measure AtL among kindergarteners with short easy-to-use questionnaires. We investigated psychometric properties of the instrument designed to provide practical measures of AtL behaviours identified in the Arizona Early Learning Standards with teacher (n?=?205) and guardian (n?=?1025) samples. We found a one-factor structure via exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). The multi-group CFA for combined teacher and guardian models indicated a good fit, which demonstrated the structure validity of the AtL instrument. This finding, combined with evidence of reliability of the instrument, supported the educational utility of the AtL as a new tool for measuring school readiness among kindergarteners in Arizona.     

Psychometric reevaluation of the scientific attitude inventory‐revised (SAI‐II)

The central purposes of this study were to review the development and evolution of the Scientific Attitude Inventory (SAI) and then reevaluate the psychometric properties of the revised form of the SAI, the Scientific Attitude Inventory II (SAI‐II). The SAI‐II was administered to a convenience sample of 543 middle and high school students from five teachers in four schools in four school districts in San Antonio, Texas, at the beginning of the 2004–2005 school year. Confirmatory factor analysis on the full data set failed to support the existence of a 12‐factor structure (as proposed by the scale developers) or a one‐factor structure. The data were then randomly divided into exploratory [exploratory factor analysis (EFA)] validation and confirmatory [confirmatory factor analysis (CFA)] cross‐validation sets. Exploratory and confirmatory models yielded a three‐factor solution that did not fit the data well [χ² (321) = 646, p < .001; RMSEA = .061 (.90 CI = .054–.068); and CFI = .81]. The three factors were labeled “Science is About Understanding and Explaining” (13 items), “Science is Rigid” (6 items), and “I Want to Be a Scientist” (8 items). The α‐coefficients for these three factors ranged from 0.59 to 0.85. Whether these identified subscales are valid will require independent investigation. In this sample, and consistent with prior publications, the SAI‐II in its current form did not have satisfactory psychometric properties and cannot be recommended for further use. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Res Sci Teach 45: 600–616, 2008     

What do daily behavior report cards (DBRCs) measure? An initial comparison of DBRCs with direct observation for off‐task behavior

This study investigated the similarity of information provided from a daily behavior report card (DBRC) as rated by the teacher to direct observation data obtained from external observers. In addition, the similarity of ratings was compared with variations of problem severity (mild, severe) and teacher training (none, some). Results suggested a moderate association between teacher perceptions of behavior as measured by DBRC ratings and direct observation conducted by an external observer. In addition, 23–45% of the variance in DBRC ratings was consistent with the direct observation data. Severity of the behavior problem or the inclusion of training was not found to significantly affect the similarity of ratings. In summary, results tentatively suggest that the DBRC may be a viable supplement to direct observation for estimating behavior in applied settings. Limitations, future research directions, and implications are discussed. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Psychol Schs 42: 669–676, 2005.     

Understanding similarities and differences between parents' and teachers' construal of children's behaviour

This study compares and contrasts teachers' and parents' construal of children's behaviour, drawn from the general population rather than clinical extremes. Questionnaire data were obtained from parents and teachers on the same 3–7 year old children via nurseries and mainstream schools. Item reduction followed standard psychometric approaches. Varimax‐rotated principal components analysis was undertaken on dichotomised teacher and parent responses, giving a four‐factor solution as most appropriate both for teachers and parents (aggression; anxiety; context‐directed behaviour; social maturity/communicativeness). The low correlation found between parents and teachers on corresponding factors suggests strong divergence of perspectives and/or situation‐dependence of behaviours. Reliability was high enough to not provide the explanation – i.e., serial correlations over three months within each respondent type were relatively strong. However, slight changes also took place over time: teacher ratings of anxiety differentiated out into anxiety proper and social maturity, while ratings of aggression and non‐context‐directed (‘inappropriate’) behaviour integrated towards a single factor which may reflect “threat to classroom order”. Implications for parent–teacher communication are discussed.     

The Validity of Teacher Ratings of Adolescents' Social Skills

The validity of teacher ratings of adolescents' social skills was examined in a follow-up study of a cohort sample of 395 students from seventh to ninth grade. The internal consistency of the teacher ratings on Social Skills Rating System (SSRS) was examined at two points in time, and the multidimensionality of the SSRS was confirmed through factor analyses. The findings indicated multi-informant consistency in ratings: teacher ratings consistently covaried with teacher ratings of problem behaviour in the classroom and academic competence, sociometric nominations by peer students, and grade point average in selected school subjects. Teacher ratings also produced construct-relevant group differences, with students referred to psychosocial and educational helping services receiving significantly lower ratings than their nonreferred peers.     

Measuring student teachers’ self-efficacy beliefs about family-teacher communication: Scale construction and validation

This article describes the development of a self-report survey measure of student teachers’ self-efficacy beliefs about family-teacher communication. Consistent with a guiding conceptual framework (Walker & Dotger, 2012), an exploratory factor analysis (n = 266) suggested a two-factor structure: (1) structuring the conversation (α = .92) and (2) responsiveness to parents (α = .87). Confirmatory factor analysis with a second sample (n = 315) also indicated a good fit between the hypothesized two-factor model and the observed data. Despite their lack of experience, student teachers’ self-efficacy ratings were relatively high. Efficacy for structuring conversations (M = 6.7, SD = 1.02; range = 0–10) was lower than efficacy for responsiveness (M = 7.57, SD = 1.04; difference, -0.83, t(581)=−21.32, p < .01). Development of this measure is important because it underscores the complexity of family-teacher conference communication and the need for teacher competence at separate but related facets of communication. Implications for research and teacher education practices are discussed.     

普通高中班主任胜任力模型的构建

采用问卷调查法,并将获取的数据采用SPSS软件进行探索性因素分析,之后重新使用因素分析后的项目编制成问卷进行测试,对于再次获得的数据,运用结构方程建模软件AMOS进行验证性因素分析,旨在进一步验证普通高中班主任胜任力维度结构的假设模型,从而最终确立了普通高中班主任胜任力结构模型。     

Examining Parent and Teacher Perceptions of Behaviors Exhibited by Gifted Students Referred for ADHD Diagnosis Using the Conners 3 (An Exploratory Study)

This exploratory study considered the perceptions of parents and teachers regarding behaviors exhibited by gifted students who may have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) by examining their responses to the Conners 3 behavior rating scale. Statistical analysis revealed average scores in the ratings of parents and teachers in the areas of inattention, hyperactivity/impulsivity, executive functioning, and learning problems. Parent and teacher ratings of these students were not significantly correlated nor were there significant differences between parents and teachers on ratings of students. The need for further examination of the psychometric properties and appropriate use of the Conners 3 in diagnosis of twice-exceptional students, the need for normative data on gifted populations for the Conners 3, and a greater understanding of the differential display of ADHD in the gifted population were suggested.     

Examining the validity of office discipline referrals as an indicator of student behavior problems

Office discipline referral (ODR) data are increasingly used to monitor student behavior problems and the impact of interventions, but there has been limited research examining their validity. The current study examined the concordance of ODRs with teacher ratings of student behavior using data on 8,645 children in 335 classrooms at 21 elementary schools. The results of a variety of analyses (e.g., correlations, multivariate analysis of variance, receiver operating characteristics) suggested that ODRs are moderately valid and reliable. Multilevel analyses revealed that teacher ratings of disruptive behaviors were significantly associated with ODRs, even after controlling for other student‐, classroom‐, and school‐level factors. These findings suggest that ODRs are moderately valid indicators of student behavior problems and may be an efficient source of information for use in school‐based research and data‐based decision‐making. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

Perceptions of future and cur rent teachers on the organization of elementary schools: a dissonance approach to the investigation of job satisfaction

The study compares the satisfaction ratings of future and current elementary school teachers with respect to the main aspects of school organization and administration. Data were collected from 66 in-service teachers and 79 preservice teachers in Cyprus. The application of factor analysis on the data resulted in the identification of the following main dimensions of school organization: headmaster's role, school organization, school climate, teacher incentives/work conditions, inspector's role and teachers' role. The comparison of the satisfaction ratings of future and current teachers on the above factors produced the following findings: first, the ratings of the two groups differed significantly for the first four factors. Secondly, future teachers reported lower satisfaction ratings than their in-service counterparts in the headmaster's role, school organization and school climate factors and higher ratings on the teacher incentives/work conditions factor.These discrepancies are considered to constitute causes of concern for educational policy-makers. The high expectations of future teachers on the teacher incentives/work conditions factor are viewed as a probable subsequent cause of cognitive dissonance and job dissatisfaction. On the other hand, the low expectations of future teachers with respect to three factors (headmaster's role, school organization, school climate) are likely to reduce their initial enthusiasm for their job. The implications of the findings for teacher training programmes are discussed, and suggestions are made on ways of reducing discrepancies between the expectations of future teachers and the realities of the workplace.     

Procrastination,conscientiousness, anxiety,and goals: Exploring the measurement and correlates of procrastination among school‐aged children

We explore the reliability and validity of a self‐report measure of procrastination and conscientiousness designed for use with third‐ to fifth‐grade students. The responses of 120 students are compared with teacher and parent ratings of the student. Confirmatory and exploratory factor analyses were also used to examine the structure of the scale. Procrastination and conscientiousness are highly correlated (inversely); evidence suggests that procrastination and conscientiousness are aspects of the same construct. Procrastination and conscientiousness are correlated with the Physiological Anxiety subscale of the Revised Children's Manifest Anxiety Scale, and with the Task (Mastery) and Avoidance (Task Aversiveness) subscales of Skaalvik's (1997) Goal Orientation Scales. Both theoretical implications and implications for interventions are discussed. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

DET TEORETISKE OG METODISKE GRUNNLAG FOR MODENHETSPRØVING

Werdelin, I. (1969). Relationship between Teacher Ratings, Peer Ratings, and Self Ratings of Behavior in School. Scand. J. Educ. Res., 13, 147‐169. A rating scale of student behavior was given to teachers and a self‐rating scale to the students themselves, who also judged the behavior of their classmates. The teacher rating scale was factor analyzed, separately for each sex, and so was the self‐rating scale. The teacher rating scale, the self‐rating scale, and the peer rating scale were also factor analyzed jointly. Relations with other behavior variables and intellectual variables were found. Close connection appeared between teacher ratings (including school marks) and peer ratings, while self‐ratings differed considerably from these.

This is a report from the School Mathematics Project at the School of Education, Malmö, Sweden. The data treated were collected during the author's stay in the United States, and he wants to thank Dr. Max Beberman for kind support.     

Social Perceptions of Students with Learning Disabilities Who Differ in Social Status

As a group, students with learning disabilities (LD) have social difficulties. One possible explanation for these difficulties is the unique way they process social information. Although students with LD may differ from their nondisabled peers in their social cognition, investigators have suggested the presence of subgroups within the population of students with LD who may differ in their social competence and, thereby, shed light on the source of the difficulties. The present exploratory study examined how two subgroups of students with LD in inclusive settings, students with high and low social status, perceive social situations. Using a sociometric technique, three students with LD receiving high social‐status ratings and three students with LD receiving low social‐status ratings were identified. A qualitative approach was used to gather and evaluate data from the participants and their teachers. Results suggested differences between the two subgroups in their (1) sensitivity to cues in the environment, (2) interpretation of social situations in relation to their own experiences, and (3) levels of self‐control. Implications of these findings for practice and future research are discussed.     

Reflections on the value of autistic participation in a tri‐national teacher‐training project through discourses of acceptance,othering and power

The Transform Autism Education (TAE) project is a tri‐national teacher training scheme involving Greece, Italy and the UK, whose purpose is to set up training projects to facilitate the educational inclusion of autistic children. Running over three years from 2014 to 2017, the involvement of autistic participants has been the source of some discussion. Here, TAE team members Wood and Milton reflect on narratives of participation, acceptance and struggle which emerged during a workshop they ran in Greece. Derived from 11 non‐autistic and two autistic participants, and analysed via discourse analysis, these stories suggest a high value placed on autistic participation by non‐autistic TAE team members, but an unwitting tendency to ‘other’ autistic people and a lack of awareness of the power differential. Meanwhile, as the autistic team members describe how educational and social participation can be achieved, the implications for autism education researchers and practitioners are discussed.