Integrating social-emotional-behavioral screening with early warning indicators in a high school setting

Abstract

The authors compared data from a social-emotional-behavior screener (i.e., the Student Risk Screening Scale—Internalizing and Externalizing [SRSS-IE]) with data from a high school early warning system. Data from 2,256 suburban high school students were used. Research questions examined the degree to which student demographic variables and early warning indicators predicted SRSS-IE outcomes; conversely, SRSS-IE ratings were used to predict future early warning system outcomes. Additionally, the authors examined the concurrence of screening data and early warning data to better understand students’ behavioral challenges. Results indicated while there is some concurrence between behavior screening and early warning data, agreement was greater for externalizing than internalizing behavior challenges. School teams using both data sources can increase the possibility that interventions and supports are more likely to match individual student needs.

Keywords:

• Early warning systems
• SRSS-IE
• universal screening

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Ellie L. Young

Ellie L. Young is an associate professor in the school psychology program at Brigham Young University. Her current research focuses on schoolwide screening for social-emotional-and behavioral concerns.

Sara E. Moulton

Sara E. Moulton is an adjunct faculty researcher at Brigham Young University. Her current research interests include scale construction and development, social-emotional-behavioral screening, and data-based decision-making in educational settings.

Alex Julian

Alex Julian is a doctoral student in Counseling Psychology at Brigham Young University. His research interests are improving problem-solving processes, preventing burnout, and improving trauma-informed care.