Direct Behavior Rating (DBR) is a method of social--emotional and behavior assessment that combines the immediacy of systematic direct observation and the efficiency of behavior rating scales. The purpose of this article is to discuss the defensibility and usability of DBR. This article provides a brief summary of (a) the past, present, and future directions of social--emotional and behavior assessment methods in schools; (b) the defining features of DBR; (c) the guiding principles for DBR development and evaluation; and (d) DBR research to date. Special emphasis is placed on single-item scale DBR (SIS-DBR) and three general outcome behaviors that are most relevant for use in schools. Research and recommendations for standard SIS-DBR instrumentation and procedures are reviewed, along with future directions for research and practice. (Contains 2 figures.)