Utility of Criterion-Referenced Interpretation Approach in SEL Assessments

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session 14
  In Roundtable Session: Quantitative Assessment and Evaluation of SEL Outcomes

Abstract

Efficient measures with intuitive interpretive frameworks are crucial for universal screening of social-emotional learning (SEL) in schools and informing programing decisions. This study examined the utility of the competency-referenced performance framework (CRPF; Elliott et al., 2020), recently developed to facilitate use of the SSIS-SEL Brief Scales for universal SEL screening (Anthony et al., 2020). Criterion-referenced interpretive frameworks are often used in achievement domains and familiar to educators but less common in SEL assessments. Due to recentness of its development, utility of the CRPF has not been thoroughly examined. We evaluated stability, predictability of academic outcomes, and treatment sensitivity of the CRPF using data from an efficacy trial of a universal SEL program. Results provided preliminary supportive evidence for the CRPF.

Authors

• Pui-Wa Lei, The Pennsylvania State University

• Xinyue Li, The Pennsylvania State University

• Hui Zhao, Pennsylvania State University

• James C. Diperna, The Pennsylvania State University

• Susan Crandall Hart