ERIC Number: EJ1103125
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2016-Jun
Pages: 13
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1045-3830
EISSN: N/A
Factor Structure and Differential Item Functioning of the BASC-2 BESS Spanish Language Parent Form
Dever, Bridget V.; Raines, Tara C.; Dowdy, Erin
School Psychology Quarterly, v31 n2 p213-225 Jun 2016
Given the steady increase of students from diverse backgrounds in the U.S. educational system, in particular immigrant and Latino students, it is important to consider how to best support all students within our schools. The present study focuses on the Behavior Assessment System for Children-Second Edition (BASC-2) Behavioral and Emotional Screening System (BESS) Parent Spanish form, which is a promising assessment tool for those who are interested in screening for behavioral and emotional risk among Spanish-speaking populations. The present study included 725 students of Latino descent in Grades K-6 in an urban school district and their parents or legal guardians, who served as the informants. All parents completed the BESS language form (English or Spanish) of their choice. A confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) supported a 4-factor structure (Externalizing, Internalizing, Inattention, and Adaptive Skills) similar to that of the BESS Parent English form: ?2(77) = 248.06, p < 0.001; CFI = 0.903; TLI = 0.940. However, differential item functioning (DIF) analyses revealed 5 items (16.7%) demonstrated significant levels of DIF, with 4 of the 5 being easier to endorse in English. This study provides preliminary evidence of partial invariance of the BESS Parent across language forms. Although some evidence of invariance across language forms at the structural and item levels exists, more research is necessary to determine whether the DIF found in the present study results in any perceptible test bias.
Descriptors: Factor Structure, Immigrants, Child Behavior, Rating Scales, Risk, Spanish Speaking, Hispanic American Students, Urban Schools, School Districts, Screening Tests, Factor Analysis, Behavior Rating Scales, Elementary School Students, Parent Attitudes, Item Analysis, English, Spanish, Statistical Analysis, Middle School Students, Likert Scales
American Psychological Association. Journals Department, 750 First Street NE, Washington, DC 20002. Tel: 800-374-2721; Tel: 202-336-5510; Fax: 202-336-5502; e-mail: order@apa.org; Web site: http://www.apa.org
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Elementary Education; Middle Schools; Secondary Education; Junior High Schools
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: Institute of Education Sciences (ED)
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: California
Identifiers - Assessments and Surveys: Behavior Assessment System for Children; Behavioral and Emotional Rating Scale
IES Funded: Yes
Grant or Contract Numbers: R324B060005