What Is the SRSS-EC?
The Student Risk Screening Scale – Early Childhood (SRSS-EC) is a free-access screening tool with 11 items across two subscales representing characteristics of externalizing (SRSS-EC E7) and internalizing (SRSS-EC I4) behaviors of young children. The SRSS-EC was modeled after the Student Risk Screening Scale (SRSS; Drummond, 1994) and the Student Risk Screening Scale – Internalizing and Externalizing (SRSS-IE; Drummond, 1994; Lane & Menzies, 2008).
How Is the SRSS-EC scored?
To complete the SRSS-EC, educators independently rate each student on each item using a 4-point Likert-type scale: 0 = never, 1 = occasionally, 2 = sometimes, 3 = frequently.
Preliminary cut scores for externalizing and internalizing behaviors are shown in the table below.
| SRSS-EC E7 (Externalizing) | SRSS-EC I4 (Internalizing) |
| • Tantrums • Active, restless • Rejected by peers • Ignores teacher and class rules • Negative attitude • Aggressive behavior • Lies | • Shy, timid • Sad, tearful • Worried, fearful • Physical complaints |
| 0-5 = low risk 6-7 = moderate risk 8-21 = high risk | 0-2 = low risk 3-4 = moderate risk 5-12 = high risk |
SRSS-EC Research
At this time, preliminary evidence about the reliability, validity, and cut scores used for the SRSS-EC is published in two peer-reviewed papers, Lane et al. (2015) and Lane et al. (2020). We will continue to post new lessons as they are learned.
Accessing the SRSS-EC
The SRSS-EC is free for educators and school leaders to access and use in the downloadable templates available on this page.
However, if a school, district, or company seeks to use the SRSS-EC in a commercially operated system—such as a schoolwide information system—a licensing agreement is needed. Please contact Kathleen Lane ([email protected]) with inquiries.
It is critical to be aware of federal, state, and local guidelines prior to screening. Only use the downloadable templates in accordance with your local guidelines.
SRSS-EC Resources
For guidance on implementing the SRSS-EC, we offer a coaching protocol similar to versions created for the SRSS-IE.
After screening, Ci3T Leadership Teams may wish to create screening reports to facilitate the use of data and for sharing information in an aggregate format. The SRSS-EC Screening Report Template provides a customizable structure in PowerPoint to assist in reporting this data.
Looking for Other Resources?
Find more resources in our Screening Resource Library.