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Congruence in Parent and Teacher Ratings of Adaptive Behavior of Low-Functioning Children

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Abstract

We examined discrepancies in parent and teacher ratings of adaptive skills of 90 low-functioning children (mean age, 6 years) in a rehabilitation day treatment facility. Comparison of full Vineland Survey and Classroom Edition protocols suggested that teachers systematically rated the children as having more adaptive skills (p < .0001) than did caretakers. However, examination of a subset of identical items that overlaps the Classroom and Survey Editions indicated at least fair interrater agreement (φ > .40, p < .01) on 92% of the items. Item analysis also indicated that when disagreement between pairs of raters occurred, caretakers were more likely to rate skills as more advanced. Caretakers tended to rate skills using extreme categories (i.e., present versus absent), whereas teachers rated skills as emergent. Discrepant standard scores for low-functioning children reflect a Classroom Edition floor effect. Implications for research and practice are discussed.

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Voelker, S.L., Shore, D.L., Lee, C.H. et al. Congruence in Parent and Teacher Ratings of Adaptive Behavior of Low-Functioning Children. Journal of Developmental and Physical Disabilities 12, 367–376 (2000). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1009436230984

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1009436230984

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