JOURNAL ARTICLE

Strengths-Based Screeners for K–8 Students: A Scoping Review.

  • Published In: Children & Schools, 2025, v. 47, n. 1. P. 57 1 of 3

  • Database: Academic Search Ultimate 2 of 3

  • Authored By: Nelson, Tiffany; Raines, James C 3 of 3

Abstract

This article focuses on identifying and evaluating strengths-based screening tools for K–8 students to support social–emotional, behavioral, and mental health interventions in schools. A scoping review of literature from 1997 to 2024 examined 20 rating scales using 12 criteria related to relevance, reliability, validity, efficiency, and cultural responsiveness. Three screeners—the Social–Emotional Assets and Resilience Scales (SEARS), Devereux Student Strengths Assessment-Mini (DESSA-Mini), and Social Skills Improvement System Social and Emotional Learning Brief Scales (SSIS SELb)—were found to best meet these criteria as strengths-based tools useful for Tier 2 intervention planning. The review highlights that many tools labeled as strengths-based primarily focus on deficits, underscoring the need for careful selection of appropriate screeners by school social workers and educators.

Additional Information

  • Source:Children & Schools. 2025/01, Vol. 47, Issue 1, p57
  • Document Type:Article
  • Subject Area:Education
  • Publication Date:2025
  • ISSN:1532-8759
  • DOI:10.1093/cs/cdae031
  • Accession Number:182369610
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