Additional Evidence of Predictive Validity of SRSS-IE Scores With Elementary Students

Abstract

In this article, we examined predictive validity of the newly defined Student Risk Screening Scale–Internalizing and Externalizing (SRSS-IE 9, with nine items) when used by teachers for the first time, with a sample of 24,535 elementary students from 74 schools in four U.S. geographic regions. Results indicated fall externalizing and internalizing latent factors as well as subscale scores (SRSS-E5 and SRSS-I4, respectively) from the SRSS-IE 9 predicted year-end behavioral outcomes (office discipline referrals, suspensions, and nurse visits), academic outcomes (reading and math scores and course failures), as well as referrals to special education for elementary students. SRSS-IE 12 subscale scores for externalizing (SRSS-E7) and internalizing (SRSS-I5) using the original 12-item version subscales were similarly predictive of these outcomes. We discussed educational implications, limitations, and directions for future inquiry.