Assessments / SRSS-IE
SRSS-IE Overview
Overview
The SRSS-IE (Internalizing/Externalizing) is the primary behavioral screening variant for K-12 students. Teachers complete the screening by rating each student on a set of behavioral indicators. The screening produces two separate scores: an externalizing score and an internalizing score, each with its own risk tier classification.
This section covers the full SRSS-IE lifecycle, from the roster file you send us through the dashboards and exports you use once results come in.
Implementation Timeline
What happens when, and who is responsible for each step.
Prepare and Upload Your Roster
Required columns, file format, and how to upload securely.
Emailing Teachers
Which emails to send, when to send them, and what to say.
Scores Dashboard and Exports
Reading results and pulling raw data.
Downloads: Roster template (.xlsx) · Teacher email template (.docx) · Teacher training video
Who Takes It
- Grade range: Kindergarten through 12th grade
- Completed by: Teachers (teacher-rated, not student self-report)
- Frequency: Up to three times per year (Fall, Winter, Spring)
What It Measures
Externalizing Items
Teachers rate students on these outward behavioral indicators:
- Stealing
- Lying, cheating, or sneaking
- Behavior problems
- Peer rejection
- Low academic achievement
- Negative attitude
- Aggressive behavior
Internalizing Items
Teachers also rate students on these internal emotional indicators:
- Emotionally flat
- Shy or withdrawn
- Sad or depressed
- Anxious
- Lonely
Each item is rated on a scale (0 = Never, 1 = Sometimes, 2 = Often, 3 = Frequently). Item scores are summed to produce composite scores.
Scoring and Risk Tiers
Each student receives two composite scores:
- Externalizing Score: Sum of the seven externalizing items
- Internalizing Score: Sum of the five internalizing items
Each score is classified into a risk tier:
| Tier | Meaning | Suggested Response |
|---|---|---|
| High Risk | Significant behavioral indicators present | Refer for Tier 2 or Tier 3 MTSS intervention assessment |
| Moderate Risk | Some behavioral indicators present | Monitor closely, consider targeted support |
| Low Risk | Few or no indicators present | Continue Tier 1 universal supports |
SRSS-IE is a screening tool, not a diagnostic instrument. A High Risk score indicates a student may need further assessment, not that they have a diagnosed condition. Use screening results as one data point alongside other observations and assessments.
Understanding the Two Scores
A student can have different risk levels for externalizing and internalizing:
- A student might be High Risk for externalizing (acting out, aggression) but Low Risk for internalizing (no signs of anxiety or withdrawal)
- Conversely, a student might be Low Risk for externalizing but High Risk for internalizing (quiet, withdrawn, anxious)
- Both dimensions matter for understanding the full picture of a student's behavioral health
Dashboard Filters
When viewing SRSS-IE results on the SRSS Scores dashboard, you can filter by:
- School
- Grade
- Term (Fall, Winter, Spring)
- School Year
- Externalizing tier (High Risk, Moderate Risk, Low Risk)
- Internalizing tier
- Race, Gender, SWD (Students with Disabilities), ED (Economically Disadvantaged)
These filters let you identify patterns within subgroups or specific buildings.
Notes
- Screening windows must be open for teachers to submit ratings. Contact your administrator if the screening is not available.
- Teachers can opt out individual students if appropriate (e.g., student withdrew).
- Results update in dashboards as teachers complete their screenings. You don't need to wait until all teachers finish.
- Compare Fall, Winter, and Spring results to track whether interventions are working.