Examining the Long-Term Stability of a Strengths-Based Screener Over 2 Years

Abstract

The success of universal screening for effective school mental health programs is dependent on the availability of usable measures as well as empirically based recommendations for use. The current study examined the long-term stability of a strengths-based social-emotional screening tool, the Devereux Student Strengths Assessment-Mini (DESSA-Mini). Elementary teachers rated students (N = 273; kindergarten and first grade at Time 1) 3 times per year over 2 years to identify students for early intervention. Stability coefficients were moderate to large for continuous and categorical data but lower between years, and a transition matrix demonstrated greater movement across categories compared with prior research. A latent profile analysis with all six time-point T-Scores indicated four stability profiles. Three patterns were stable across all times while one profile improved over time. Profile results were compared with covariates of free and reduced-price lunch, special education, and intervention status as well as outcomes of reading achievement and behavior referrals. Practice implications and areas for future research are discussed.