In this study, we sought to determine if the "Scales for Assessing Emotional Disturbance -- Third Edition" ("SAED-3"; Epstein et al., 2020) demonstrated adequate validity using criterion validation techniques. The associations between the "SAED-3" subscales and composite scores were examined in relation to similar…

During a school day, children make several transitions between activities, which can take away from instructional time and result in challenging behaviors. This study investigates the impact positive engagement and behavioral supports have on children's behavior while transitioning. Participants (N = 40; 77.5% Male; 92.5% Hispanic) were enrolled…

Objective: The study examined the effects of therapeutic alliance (TA; relational bond, task collaboration) on externalizing behavior outcomes, how TA can operate differently when children are seen in individual versus group sessions, and how therapist-child disagreement in perceptions of TA affects outcomes. Method: 360 children (ages 9.2 to…

We created and tested a family-based intervention with a sample of U.S. families of children in Grades 1 and 2 with reading and behavioral difficulties to investigate its impact on text comprehension. Developed with input from parents, reading experts, and behavior specialists, Family-RISE (Reading Intervention with Supports for Engagement)…

Direct observation of classroom behavior in young children enriches our understanding of their behavior in its natural context, informing both assessment and intervention strategies to foster supportive learning environments. However, a notable gap in the literature concerning effective direct observation tools specifically designed for this…

The prevalence of student mental health concerns has increased the need for universal mental health screening to promote access to services. Some screeners determine risk status by comparing student scores to norming samples based on age (i.e., combined-gender) or on age and gender (i.e., separate-gender). This study examined scores on the…

Students with emotional dysregulation are not equipped with the ability to manage their own behavior. This often leads to major disruptions in the general education setting, interfering with the student's learning and the learning of others. This study examined the effects of a mindfulness-based intervention on the presence of disruptive behavior…

We examined the predictive utility of the Behavior Assessment System for Children-2 Behavioral and Emotional Screening System (BASC-2-BESS) and Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) in identifying students with a mental disorder. Data were collected in a two-stage study over 34 months with kindergarten-12th grade (K-12) students (aged…

Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the efficacy of a mindfulness-based intervention among college students with externalizing behaviors and attentional problems. Participants: Three students attending their first year in college received mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) intervention and data were collected…

Universal screening continues to be a missed opportunity for addressing mental health in schools. The current study compared three separate self-report screening tools: the Behavior Assessment System for Children-Third Edition: Behavioral and Emotional Screening System (BASC-3 BESS), Youth Internalizing and Externalizing Problems Screener (YIEPS),…

Systematic direct observations (SDOs) and behavior rating scales are integral to multimethod behavioral assessment approaches. The present study investigated the convergent validity of the Behavior Observation of Students in Schools (BOSS) form, a widely utilized SDO system, with the most frequently used teacher rating scales in schools, the…

We created and tested a family-based intervention with families of children in Grades 1 and 2 with reading and behavioral difficulties to investigate its impact on text comprehension. Developed with input from parents, reading experts, and behavior specialists, Family-RISE (Reading Intervention with Supports for Engagement) integrates…

Systematic direct observations (SDOs) and behavior rating scales are integral to multimethod behavioral assessment approaches. The present study investigated the convergent validity of the Behavior Observation of Students in Schools (BOSS) form, a widely utilized SDO system, with the most frequently used teacher rating scales in schools, the…

This study examined the effects of adjusting the difficulty level of instructional materials on the on-task time and comprehension of four students with emotional and behavioral disorders. All participants previously exhibited low rates of on-task behavior during reading assignments. Students were presented with reading materials at their…

Students with co-occurring reading difficulties and inattention tend to respond to reading interventions less favorably than those with reading difficulties without inattention. However, there is limited research on how to increase student engagement during reading instruction for these students. To support the engagement of students with…