The scale for assessing emotional disturbance: Test-retest and interrater reliability

Three studies are reported addressing the reliability of the Scale for Asse ssing Emotional Disturbance (Epstein & Cullinan, 1998), a standardized, nor m-referenced measure linked to the federal definition of emotional disturba nce (ED). The first and second studies investigated test-retest reliability over a 2-week period to determine the stability of the measure over time. The third study investigated interrater reliability between six pairs of te achers who had worked with a student for 2 or more months to determine the consistency with which the measure can be used by different individuals. In each study, samples were drawn from populations of students identified as having ED. Test-retest reliability coefficients were above .80, the standar d recommended for screening tests that will be reported individually Interr ater reliability coefficients were at least .79 for all subscales except Un happiness Or Depression and Physical Symptoms or Fears. Implications for us e of the SAED are discussed.