Leah J. Hunter|Karen L. Bierman|Cristin M. Hall
Assessing Noncognitive Aspects of School Readiness: The Predictive Validity of Brief Teacher Rating Scales of Social–Emotional Competence and Approaches to Learning
Pennsylvania State University|Pennsylvania State University|Pennsylvania State University
head start teachers completed brief rating scales measuring socialemotional competence approaches learning preschool children total n 164 14 hispanicamerican 30 africanamerican 56 caucasian 56 girls head start lead assistant teacher ratings scales demonstrated strong internal consistency moderate interrater reliability examined longitudinally preschool teacherrated approaches learning made unique contributions prediction kindergarten first grade academic outcomes need supplemental services grade retention even accounting preschool academic skills contrast preschool teacherrated socialemotional competence made unique contributions prediction reduced behavior problems peer difficulties kindergarten first gradethe findings demonstrate preschool teachers able provide distinct reliable ratings child socialemotional competence approaches learning using brief rating scales validity predicting elementary school adjustment