Universal Screening for Behavioral Risk in Elementary Schools Using SWPBS Expectations

Abstract

In this study, the authors examined the concurrent validity, predictive validity, and concurrent and predictive classification accuracy of using schoolwide behavior expectations as a universal behavioral screener. Three elementary schools implementing schoolwide positive behavior supports (SWPBS) participated. Within each school, the entire school population was screened using items derived from schoolwide behavior expectations. Structural equation modeling revealed moderate to strong associations between SWPBS expectations and constructs formed from the criterion measure. SWPBS expectations converged with the school problems, externalizing problem behaviors, and adaptive skills constructs but diverged from the internalizing construct. Concurrent classification with a norm-referenced screener was generally adequate but varied depending on school and index. Predictive classification analyses using office discipline referrals also yielded comparable results as the norm-referenced screener. Although not without limitations, this study provides initial evidence of the validity of using SWPBS expectations to screen for behavioral risk.