Using Sixth-Grade School Records to Predict School Violence, Chronic Discipline Problems, and High School Outcomes

Abstract

In this study, literature that indicates a need for systematic methods to identify students who are candidates for functional behavioral assessments and strength-based assessments is reviewed. These assessments will guide the development of individualized interventions to prevent violence, chronic discipline problems, and negative high school outcomes. Longitudinal research involving an archival review of a randomly selected sample of 526 students is reported. This research supports the use of school records of discipline referrals as a screening device. Referrals for violence involving fighting in Grade 6 predicted similar referrals in Grade 8. Frequency of discipline referrals in Grade 6 predicted chronic discipline problems in later middle school, which predicted frequency of suspensions in Grade 9. Three or more suspensions in ninth grade predicted school failure. Boys referred for fighting more than twice and girls referred even once for harassing, as sixth graders, were not likely to be on track for graduation when in high school.