BASC (Behavior Assessment System for Children)- II (2004)

Developed by

Cecil Reynolds and Randy Kamphaus

Description

Ages of children : 2-21 Number of items : 100-139 items depending on the age level Respondents : teacher, parents (10-20 min.); student/self

assessment (30 min.)

Publisher info. And cost

Pearson Assessment BASC-2 ASSIST Starter Set, English/Spanish

Manual, ASSIST software (for computer scoring), one pkg. (25) of each English and Spanish computer-entry form of TRS (Teacher Rating Scale), PRS (Parents Rating Scale), SRP (Self- Report of Personality) and SDH (Structured Developmental History – for parents), SOS (Student Behavior System – to find out behavior patterns) and Parent Feedback Reports : $650.00 

Hand scored set : $617.00 http://ags.pearsonassessments.com/group.asp?

nGroupInfoID=a30000

Scale format and item description

Measures factors and conditions connected to both IDEA and DSM-IV classifications.

Scoring Protocol

Behaviors are scored as: Never, Often, Sometimes, and Almost always. These responses correspond to 0, 1, 2, and 3 quantitative scores. Adding the points for a particular scale yields a raw score, which can then be converted to a normative score (t-score, and the percentile rank).

T score(s) are converted using the table found on the Feedback Report (see example on the next slide).

Recording Feedback Report (Example)

score LOW/AVERAGE (Score: 20-59) score HIGH (Score: 60 or Higher)

CLINICAL

SCALES

ANXIETY 52 Indicates typical levels of anxiety displayed by the average child of this age

Indicates problematic levels of anxiety, child may displayNervousnessIrrational fears

DEPRESSION 59 Indicates typical levels of depression displayed by the average child of this age

Indicates problematic levels of depression; child may display or complain of:SadnessBeing overwhelmed

Completing the summary chart (example continued)

• Using the same T scores as in the summary table, plot the T score(s) obtained for each scale on the appropriate point(s) of the chart found on the Feedback Report (see chart below).

• Repeat this process for each of the scale scores. When you encounter a scale that does not appear on the form you are using, simply do not record a value for that scale.

• If you are plotting multiple ratings (e.g., ratings from two teachers), it may be helpful to use different Ink colors to show the different ratings. You may also use this process to plot scores from more than one norm group (e.g. General/Clinical).

• Shaded areas indicate possible problem areas.

Diagnostic, programming, and evaluation benefits

Provides an extensive view of adaptive and maladaptive behavior across settings.

Norms based on current U.S. Census population characteristics

Reliability

When Sample controlled for Age

Yes Gender

Yes Race

Yes Geographic region

Yes SES/parent education

Yes (for Parent Rating Scales) Community size

No Special populations

included Yes

Internal consistency TRS Scales: high .70s to low .90s Composites: low to mid .90s PRS Scales: .70s and .80s Composites: high .80s to low .90s SRP Scales: .70s and .80s Composites: high .80s to mid .90s

Test - Retest TRS Scales: most in high .70s to low .90s Composites: high .80s to mid .90s PRS Scales: most in .70s to low .90s Composites: .70s to low .90s SRP Scales: most in .70s and .80s Composites: high .70s to mid .80s

Interrater TRS Preschool: varied (.30s to .80s) Child: most in .50s to .80s (median = .71) PRS Preschool: .30s to .60s Child and Adolescent: .50s to .70s

Validity

Intercorrelations Structure of scales and composites was based on factor analyses of items and of scales.

ContentItem content came from teachers, parents, and children; psychologists; and reference sources such as DSM and other instruments.

ConcurrentGroups of children with preexisting clinical diagnoses tend to show distinct BASC profiles.

Strengths

Provides multi-rater assessments for conducting a comprehensive assessment.

Ideally suited for use in identifying behavior problems as required by IDEA, and for developing FBAs, BIPs, and IEPs.

Norms based on current U.S. Census population characteristics

Weakness

Many items Expensive Only English and Spanish versions available

Conclusion

BASC has been used in school and clinical settings over a decade. It is relatively easy to use and provides a comprehensive view of a child’s behaviors across settings.