Behavior Rating Scales

Behavior rating scales can be comprehensive, which allow for many items to be put together to assess a range of behaviors. Behavior rating scales are used to relate a students behaviors compared to standard behaviors. (Chafouleas, Riley-Tillman, & Sugai, 2007).
 Behavior rating scales are based on the rater's perception of a cluster of behaviors in comparison to others. The rater's perception of the students needs to be accurate with others who might rate this student. When behaviors are clustered together, it allows for an increase of confidence and tools we use to asses the student. When used in a familiar setting, a child is more likely to have a cluster of behaviors rather than just one behavior. Behavior scales allows for a student's behaviors be evaluated based on students in a norm group. These are all reasons to use behavior scales. (Chafouleas et al, 2007).