Using Behavior Rating Scales to Assess Social Skills and Antisocial Behavior in School Settings: Development of the School Social Behavior Scales

Abstract

This article discusses school-based assessment of social competence and antisocial behavior with rating scales, through detailing the development, standardization, and preliminary validation of the School Social Behavior Scales (SSBS). Intended for use in K-12 educational settings, the SSBS was constructed to include both teacher-related and peer-related forms of social competence and antisocial behavior. The SSBS was standardized using teacher ratings on a large group (N = 1,858) of K-12 students across the United States. Information pertaining to the development and standardization of the instrument, and the evaluation of its psychometric properties is presented. The problems and advantages of rating scale technology are discussed and suggestions for suitable uses of the SSBS are presented.

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Notes on contributors

Kenneth W. Merrell

Kenneth W. Merrell, PhD, is Coordinator of the School Psychology Training Program at Utah State University. His research and clinical interests are primarily focused on assessment and intervention of behavior and emotional problems.