Measurement Difficulties Surrounding Social Emotional Learning Concepts

• In Event: Crown Plaza Roundtable Session 3
  In Roundtable Session: Challenges and Issues in Assessing Social and Emotional Competence

Abstract

The Clark County School District (the District) surveys students annually on a number of topics, including questions related to Social Emotional Learning (SEL). Using Item Response Theory, and specifically Differential Item Functioning, this study reports there are differences in interpretation of the wording for various demographic groups on a number of survey questions. Using school year 2016-2017 District survey data, the study finds that in one instance the difference in interpretation is easily understood as being due to vague wording. However, this study also reveals that questions that are seemingly appropriately worded can lead to differences in interpretation amongst differing groups. Researchers interested in SEL should be aware of the potential for interpretation differences when developing survey measures.

Authors

• Kenneth Retzl, Guinn Center for Policy Priorities

• Kate Eugenis, Clark County School District

• Ana Luisa Reyes, University of Nevada - Las Vegas

• Kevin Worthy, University of Nevada - Las Vegas

• Geordan Keller, Clark County School District