Investigating Teacher Rating Effects of a Behavioral and Emotional Scale in Multilevel Modeling Framework

• In Event: Surveys in Action: From Technical Refinement to Real-World Influence

Abstract

Children’s behavior and emotional disorders can have a long-lasting impact, affecting children into adulthood. In this study, we used a well-validated scale - the Pediatric Symptoms Checklist – 17 to investigate how teacher-level characteristics are associated with the teacher ratings of children’s behavioral and emotional problems. Participants were 639 elementary school students rated by 71 teachers. We utilized linear mixed models including teacher and student-level characteristics. Results show that certain teacher and student-level characteristics are associated with the PSC-17 total scores. We also identified three significant cross-level interactions. The current study is of significance to identify potential rater effects and provide guidance for the screening process.

Authors

• Jin Liu, University of Texas - Arlington

• Ting Fung Ma, University of South Carolina

• Ruiqin Gao, University of South Carolina

• Yizhou Cai, University of South Carolina