The positives and negatives of Behavior Rating Scales

Positives of Behavior Rating Scales
- A positive aspect of behavior rating scales is that the data displays the frequency and the intensity of the student's behavior. Also, the data allows the reader to see "cluster" of behaviors, which are behaviors that fall under the same category. This information can be very useful when finding the next step for the student.
-Behavior rating scales are also effective when assessing the data that is collected which shows the reader where a student is compared to where they are expected to be. They can be useful screening, diagnostic, and evaluation tools and can be helpful when thinking of strategies to improve behavior.
-Another positive aspect of behavior rating scales is that they are user friendly and do not require extensive training. These assessments also gather a wide range of information in a relatively short amount of time.
- Since behavior rating scales are encouraged to take place over a longer amount of time, low frequency behaviors are still able to be documented. Compared to other assessment tools that require an outside observer, the behavior rating scales are able to more accurately assess all types of behavior.

Negatives of Behavior Rating Scales
-Behavior rating scales are designed to be long term observation tools and do not accurately record incremental change in behavior.
-Behavior rating scales compare the information to a national sample compiled of a larger population. This poses a problem because each setting has its own expectations and understanding of appropriate behavior. Also, behavior rating scales do not allow the data to show the context in which the behavior occurred.
-Another negative of using behavior rating scales is that the data can be influenced depending on the rater. There are many variables that can affect the data such as different observers, previous experience and how comfortable the observer is with the scales.
-The use of behavior rating scales can also be costly depending on how many students need to be assessed. Obtaining score sheets, manuals, and training can all add to the cost.
-Lastly, the behavior rating scales can be unbalanced and may place more focus on problems the students is having compared to what the students strengths are.

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).

What is it?

"Behavior rating scales are assessment tools that require one to rate the behavior of another based on past observation" (Chafouleas, Riley-Tillman, & Sugai, 2007, p. 101).

"Behavior rating scales...are tools that are designed to reliably measure a cluster of related behaviors" (Chafouleas et al, 2007, p. 101).

The rater should be familiar with the student, and is usually student's teacher, or parent (Chafouleas et al, 2009). This is a key aspect of behavior rating scales, because if the observer is to compare past behaviors to the one about to be taken, they need to be familiar with the student to be able to rate the behavior accurately.

Rating scales are conducted directly following the displayed behavior and "a behavior rating scale should be considered and 'indirect' measure of actual behavior, and information from a single rating scale should not be used as the sole data source in high-stakes decisions" (Chafouleas et al, 2007, p. 101).

Here are some links to behavior rating scales you can print out and use:

Child Behavior Rating Scale
Vanderbilt Children's Hospital Rating Scale
Burk's Behavior Rating Scale