FROM TEACHERS PERCEPTIONS AND RATINGS OF STUDENTS PROBLEM BEHAVIOR INPRIMARY-EDUCATION

Current epidemiological data are a prerequisite for planning and decis ion-making concerning counseling facilities and educational curricula. Specific teacher questionnaires are considered a useful tool for coll ecting valid data material. Such an instrument has been developed and tested. 154 teachers in primary education rated each individual child in their classes on a behavior checklist comprising 21 categories of b ehavior problems and on need of counseling. 31 % of all children were rated ''very problematic'' in at least one category. For 14.6% counsel ing was recommended. There is a significant difference of the ratings depending on the gender of the rated student. The results are discusse d in view of educational planning and priorities for further investiga tions.