The psychometric properties of a rating measure for parents and teache
rs for social competence, conceptualized as social skills and behavior
s, were studied. The faring measure was constructed from factor analys
es an 4 samples of school-age children. Factor analyses identified 2 m
oderately correlated competence aspects, valid for both sexes and for
children from varying socioeconomic backgrounds. The first factor, Pro
social Orientation, captured a style promoting positive social interac
tions; the second factor. Social Initiative, described initiative as o
pposed to withdrawal in social situations. Scales based on the 2 facto
rs showed reliability in internal consistency and stability across I y
ear, validity in interrater agreement concurrently and across 1 year,
correspondence with observed peer behavior, and the capacity to discri
minate between children of different peer status.