Assessment of the Risks and Needs of Middle School Students: Invariance Properties Related to Gender and Ethnicity

Assessment ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. 107319112110625
Author(s):  
Paul S. Strand ◽  
Brian F. French ◽  
Bruce W. Austin

The middle school version of the Washington Assessment of Risks and Needs of Students (msWARNS) is a self-report instrument designed for use by school personnel to identify barriers to school attendance and school success for sixth- to eighth-grade students. It measures six domains relevant to improving school outcomes that include aggression-defiance, depression-anxiety, substance use, peer deviance, home environment, and school engagement. In the present study, a bifactor S − 1 model, for which the aggression-defiance domain was the reference factor for the general factor and the other domains constituted the subfactors, had good fit and better fit than several other alternative models. Results of multigroup confirmatory factor analysis revealed invariance across different groups defined by gender and race/ethnicity (Native American, African American, Hispanic, and White), with a sample of referred middle school students ( N = 2,356; ages 10–15 years). Reliability analyses support the use of the general factor to guide decision-making, the reliable use of the depression-anxiety factor for providing additional insights, and the remaining factors for guiding communication, as part of an assessment and intervention program for middle school students.

2016 ◽  
Vol 21 (2) ◽  
pp. 261-280 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vítor Alexandre Coelho ◽  
Marta Marchante ◽  
Vanda Sousa

This study aims to analyze the differential impact of social and emotional learning programs between Portuguese elementary and middle school students, and to clarify developmental and gender differences in children and adolescents self-concept. The sample included 2682 students, 1237 elementary students (4th grade; Mage = 9.24; SD = 0.72) and 1445 middle school students (7th to 9th grade: Mage = 13.30; SD = 1.32). Self-report questionnaires were administered before and after intervention. Multilevel linear modeling with a repeated measures design was used to evaluate the effects of the program on self- concept. Results show significant intervention gains in social and emotional self-concept, which differ by grade level (elementary students benefited more). There were also differences between genders, boys showed more benefits in social self-concept and girls in emotional self-concept as well as a smaller decrease in academic self-concept. Participation in the programs led to more pronounced gains for elementary school students. 


Author(s):  
Chantal Labonté ◽  
Veronica R. Smith

In the current study, the researchers examine the validity of a questionnaire assessing students’ perceptions of their self-directed learning and collaborative learning with and without technology with a group of Canadian middle school students. Lee and colleagues (2014) developed an 18-item questionnaire for use in assessing high school students’ perceptions of their learning in Singapore. Three hundred and twenty middle school students from across Alberta, Canada completed the questionnaire. The results of a confirmatory factor analysis revealed that the questionnaire did not have sufficient model fit. The researchers used a jackknifing procedure to systematically remove four items in order to achieve a psychometrically sound questionnaire. The results suggest that the reduced questionnaire is a useful self-report instrument for assessing Canadian middle school students’ perceptions of their learning. Dans la présente étude, les chercheurs examinent la validité d’un questionnaire évaluant les perceptions qu’ont les élèves de leur apprentissage autonome et collaboratif, avec et sans technologie, au sein d’un groupe d’élèves d’écoles intermédiaires canadiennes. Lee et ses collègues (2014) ont développé un questionnaire de 18 items pour évaluer les perceptions qu’ont des élèves d’écoles secondaires quant à leur apprentissage. Trois cent vingt élèves d’écoles intermédiaires à travers l’Alberta, au Canada, ont rempli le questionnaire. Les résultats d’une analyse factorielle confirmatoire ont révélé que le questionnaire avait été insuffisamment ajusté au modèle. Les chercheurs se sont servis d’une procédure de jackknife afin de supprimer systématiquement quatre items afin d’obtenir un questionnaire solide sur le plan psychométrique. Les résultats suggèrent que le questionnaire raccourci est un instrument utile pour l’auto-évaluation des perceptions qu’ont des élèves d’écoles intermédiaires quant à leur apprentissage.


2018 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Breanna McNeal ◽  
Dorothy Espelage

This investigation examined the association between bully victimization and willingness to intervene in bullying situations among students with and without disabilities. Through the use of self-report surveys, middle school students (n = 1005) participated in the study. The majority of students with disabilities reported having a Specific Learning Disability, and the sample included 49% male students and 44% Caucasian students. Results indicated that there was no significant effect for disability status on willingness to intervene; however, students who were bullied were more willing to intervene compared to youth with low rates of victimization. Students with disabilities who were victimized at high rates reported greater willingness to intervene in bullying situations compared to students with disabilities who reported lower rates of victimization and students without disabilities. These findings suggest that students with disabilities play a critical role in supporting other students who are being victimized by intervening to help them.


2002 ◽  
Vol 18 (2) ◽  
pp. 117-121 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lenore “Lennie” Harris

In recent years, the number of middle school students identified with asthma has increased dramatically. In addition, physical education teachers were concerned about the lack of class participation among many of these students. Students with asthma had little knowledge about the respiratory system or how to control their asthma. After overcoming certain barriers, an asthma education program was developed for the middle school students. The primary objective was to promote self-management of asthma and provide resources as needed. In addition, an asthma education program was presented to school personnel to enhance their ability to assist students with asthma and allergies in the school setting. Included in this article is an extensive list of resources about asthma.


Author(s):  
Jeoung Mi Kim

Purpose: This study developed and examined a structural model and influencing factors of suicidal ideation by path analysis of family violence exposure, school violence exposure, anger, aggression, depression, hopelessness, and ego resilience among adolescents. Methods: A hypothetical model was constructed on the basis of general strain theory developed by Agnew, as well as a review of studies in the literature related to suicidal ideation in adolescents in terms of violence exposure. The subjects were 1150 middle school students located in P city and K province. The model included 8 concepts and 24 paths. Data were collected using self-report questionnaires from September 2 to 20, 2013, and analyzed using the IBM SPSS and AMOS 21.0 programs. Results: Family violence exposure, school violence exposure, anger, depression, hopelessness, and ego resilience showed a direct effect, while aggression showed an indirect effect on suicidal ideation in adolescents. These factors accounted for 45% of the variance of suicidal ideation in middle school students in terms of violence exposure. Conclusions: The results suggest that suicidal ideation of adolescents who are exposed to violence could be decreased by increasing ego resilience and reducing family violence exposure. It is necessary to develop an intervention strategy to prevent suicidal ideation.


2014 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joshua M. Henderson ◽  
Jennie Park-Taylor ◽  
Griselle Baret ◽  
Chana B. Krupka ◽  
Mikaela Pitcan

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