Profiles of Rater Dis/Agreement within Universal Screening in Predicting Distal Outcomes

Abstract

The success of a comprehensive and integrated school mental health system is dependent on data to inform decision-making. Universal screening is one such method utilized by schools to inform treatment across universal, targeted, and individual levels of service. However, the use of multiple informants (teacher and student) remains elusive due to a lack of practical and research based-aggregation guidance. The purpose of the current study is to identify the optimal numbers of rater agreement profiles, determine demographic predictors of profiles membership, and if profiles differentially predict distal academic outcomes. Nearly 24,000 teacher-student dyads were included in this study. Results suggested four profiles emerged with significant differences in academic outcomes. Considerations for research and practice are presented.