School behavior of first-grade children identified as at-risk for development of conduct problems.

Wehby, J. H., Dodge, K. A., Valente, E., Jr., & Conduct Problems Prevention Research Group. (1993). School behavior of first-grade children identified as at-risk for development of conduct problems. Behavioral Disorders, 19(1), 67-78.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/019874299301900106

Abstract: This paper describes the implementation of a direct observation procedure with first grade children identified as at-risk for the development of conduct disorders. Children were identified as high-risk or low-risk at kindergarten using a three-stage screening process. Stage one consisted of identifying kindergarten classrooms located in schools with reportedly high rates of behavior problems; stage two used kindergarten teachers' reports of school readiness; and stage three involved parents' ratings of their children's behavior at home. Subjects were assessed 15 months later in the first grade during both structured and unstructured activities using behavioral observation and observers' impressions. Results of this study suggest that children identified as high-risk at kindergarten demonstrate difficulties one year later in their interactions with teachers and peers when compared to a low-risk group. Interpretation of results and future research in this area are presented.