Behaviour problems in the school: Incidence and interpretation

ABSTRACT

Australian studies of teacher-rated levels of behaviour problems in schools are reviewed. Survey methodology and instrumentation affects incidence. The significance of these results is discussed in the light of two major considerations: the nature of “problem” and who defines it, and the need for a developmental perspective when interpreting data relating to childhood behaviour. The implications of teacher perceptions for system resource planning, referral and interagency networking, and intervention priority are considered,