Annahita Ball

The Development of the Perceived School Experiences Scale

Objectives: This article describes two studies related to the development of the Perceived School Experiences Scale (PSES). The PSES may be used by social workers to assess youths’ perceptions of three school-related protective factors, including school connectedness, academic press, and academic motivation. Method: In Study 1, exploratory and confirmatory analyses were conducted on a calibration (n = 386) and cross-validation sample (n = 387) of middle and high school students. In Study 2, test–retest reliability and predictive validity were established on a sample of high school students (n = 97). Results: The resultant 14-item PSES demonstrated acceptable factorial validity and gender invariance in samples of middle and high school students. The PSES also demonstrated acceptable test–retest reliability, and correlated positively with perceived belonging and social competence. Conclusions: Overall, the PSES has important implications for social workers as they assess important protective factors and document the effectiveness of their interventions for the children and youth they serve.

Impact of individualized education plans on academic success of youth with early onset schizophrenia

ABSTRACT Purpose: Youth with early onset schizophrenia (EOS) are eligible for an individualized education plan (IEP) in school settings, yet often have declining academic performance over time. This study examines the impact of IEP and comorbid conditions on educational outcomes for youth with EOS. Method: We used mixed models and logistic regression to answer the research questions using data from 129 youth with EOS who participated in a longitudinal study from 1998 to 2006. Results: Not all children had an IEP in all waves. Of those that did, findings demonstrated that having an IEP did not improve absenteeism or academic performance. In addition, regardless of whether they had an IEP, rates of dropping out were equal. Conclusions: Social workers should consider more individualized approaches to IEPs for youth with EOS to target the specific complexities of the disorder as well as its implications for school success.

The Parent Perceptions of Overall School Experiences Scale: Initial Development and Validation:

Parent engagement in schools is often precipitated by a thorough and genuine assessment of parents’ needs, priorities, and perceptions of their children’s schools. This study reports on the development and validation of the Parent Perceptions of Overall School Experiences Scale. Confirmatory factor analyses (CFAs) examined the factorial validity of the measure using cross-sectional survey data from 2,643 parents. In addition, a series of CFAs was conducted to explore the language invariance of the measurement model across Spanish and English versions of the scale. Predictive validity also was determined using correlational analyses. Results revealed that the five-item Parent Perceptions of Overall School Experiences Scale is a brief, universal measure of parents’ perceptions of their overall experiences with their children’s schools. Schools, parents, and community members may use this measure to assess parents’ needs and to advocate for necessary programmatic changes that serve parents and their children.

Psychometric Reevaluation of Parental Press for Academic Achievement and Postsecondary Planning Scale

Objective: Psychometric details of the Parental Press for Academic Achievement and Postsecondary Planning Scale (PPS), developed by Chicago Consortium of Chicago School Research, are scarce. The purpose of this study was to reexamine the properties of this 7-item measure. Method: The study utilized cross-sectional, self-reported data from 100 low-income, first-generation undergraduate students at a university in the southern United States. Results: Factor analysis on the PPS revealed two dimensions with all items loaded, accounting for 81.44% of the variance. Reliability of the PPS was sound, that is, average interitem correlation was .62 and Cronbach’s α and split-half coefficients were .918 and .923, respectively. Convergent validity was suggested via significant correlations between the PPS and its theoretically similar constructs, that is, valuation of high school (r = .32) and parental support for college (r = .82). Conclusion: The PPS appears to be psychometrically appropriate for appraising students’ perceptions of parental support for academic success and postsecondary education.

Exploring 21st Century Skills and Learning Environments for Middle School Youth

Resiliency research and strengths-based perspectives highlight the importance of understanding the protective factors that aid youth in overcoming adversity. Likewise, current research identifies the characteristics and skills youth need to be successful in post-secondary education and the workforce. These growing bodies of research emphasize cognitive and noncognitive skills that support youth development and academic success. This exploratory study sought to develop two distinct measurement instruments: (1) the 21st Century Life & Career Skills scale (21C-LCS); and (2) the 21st Century Skills Classroom Environment scale (21C-CE). We also examined students’ perceptions of their own skills in these areas. The measures were developed and tested using survey data from 262 middle school students. Exploratory Factor Analysis was used to examine the factorial structure of the measures and descriptive statistics were used to summarize student perceptions. Results indicated that the 21C-LCS and the 21C-CE are brief psychometrically sound measures. The 21C-LCS assesses students’ leadership and responsibility; working with others effectively; and, adaptability. The 21C-CE is a reliable measure of students’ perceptions of the ways in which their classroom environments support their development of 21st century life and career skills. Students reported moderately high perceptions of their skills in all areas. This study is an important step in measuring 21st century life and career skills and 21st century learning environments. Researchers, youth development professionals, educators, and other service providers can utilize these measures in ongoing investigation, assessment, and progress monitoring to foster and advocate for 21st century life and career skill development among youth.

Teachers' Experiences Collaborating in Expanded School Mental Health: Implications for Practice, Policy and Research.

Abstract Teachers are critical partners in expanded school mental health (ESMH) collaborations that aim to bring educators, community mental health professionals and families together to leverage expertise and resources for addressing non-academic barriers to learning. Although teachers are in a unique position to observe the day-to-day mental health needs of students, their roles in ESMH collaborations have been largely ignored leaving little research-based guidance for maximizing this practice strategy. To address this gap, this study explored 384 teachers’ experiences with ESMH collaboration including the types of collaborations they are engaged in, what influences those relationships and what they perceive to be the benefits of this practice strategy. The findings support previous conceptual and research contributions focused on collaboration, as well as suggest some specific influences on collaborative relationships between teachers and community mental health professionals. Implications for practice, policy and research are offered.