Psychometric properties of a kindergarten behavior rating scale to predict later academic achievement

The design and description of the psychometric properties of a Kindergarten Behavior Rating Scale used to predict later academic achievement were based on a survey of past literature on efficient predictors of school failure which indicated a need for a scale that identifies kindergarten pupils who are at risk for school failure during their elementary education. The scale, developed over a 3-yr. period, significantly predicted academic achievement in reading, writing, and mathematics, as indicated by correlations, .15 and .66 between scores on the scale and academic achievement in Grades 1 and 2. Use of judgment by kindergarten teachers to assess risks was also considered, as are other suggestions and limitations on the further use.