Using sixth-grade school records to predict school violence, chronic discipline problems, and high school outcomes

In this study, literature that indicates a need for systematic methods to i dentify students who are candidates for functional behavioral assessments a nd strength-based assessments is reviewed. These assessments will guide the development of individualized interventions to prevent violence, chronic d iscipline problems, and negative high school outcomes. Longitudinal researc h involving an archival review of a randomly selected sample of 526 student s is reported. This research supports the use of school records of discipli ne referrals as a screening device. Referrals for violence involving fighti ng in Grade 6 predicted similar referrals in Grade 8. Frequency of discipli ne referrals in Grade 6 predicted chronic discipline problems in later midd le school, which predicted frequency of suspensions in Grade 9. Three or mo re suspensions in ninth grade predicted school failure. Boys referred for f ighting more than twice and girls referred even once for harassing, as sixt h graders, were nor likely to be on track for graduation when in high schoo l.