NCJ Number
123995
Date Published
1990
Length
8 pages
Annotation
This article examines the potential application of the Behavior Dimensions Rating Scale (BDRS), used by professionals who work with disturbed or disturbing individuals, for juvenile offenders in correctional education programs.
Abstract
These psychometric instruments assess specific aspects of an individual's behavior efficiently and inexpensively and assist in preintervention assessment, intervention plan development, and behavior change tracking. The BRDS, consisting of 43 pairs of bipolar descriptors in four subscales (aggressive/acting out, irresponsible/inattentive, socially withdrawn and fearful/anxious), is normed using a geographically representative national sample of subjects across school-aged levels and including emotionally disturbed, behaviorally disordered, and non-handicapped male and female children. Behavior rating scales are used with juvenile offenders in several instances to provide descriptive information, predict amenability to treatment intervention, measure treatment effects, and assess case management. The BDRS validation study uses standardization samples from all geographic regions and includes male, non-handicapped residents of a State-operated juvenile correctional facility. A multi-group confirmatory factor analysis is used to test the equality of variance-covariance matrices and the construct validity of the instrument in juvenile correctional settings. According to the findings, the BDRS is factorially equivalent for subjects in general educational settings and juvenile offenders in correctional educational settings. Within correctional facilities, the BDRS can be used to measure the effectiveness of classroom management techniques and therapeutic interventions. Professionals engaged in interagency efforts to provide transition services to juvenile offenders can use the BDRS for data collection, case management, and program evaluation and research. 3 tables, 68 references. (Author abstract modified)