General Information

The ADHD School Observation Code (ADHD-SOC) assesses the behavioral symptoms of AD/HD, oppositional defiant disorder, and conduct disorder in school settings. Children can be observed in structured school settings (classroom), semistructured school settings (cafeteria), and unstructured school settings (playground). This instrument can assist in making differential diagnoses, planning special education services, formulating treatment plans, and monitoring responses to intervention. The ADHD-SOC is not a norm-referenced test.

Number of Versions:	1
Version:	ADHD School Observation Code
Author(s):	Kenneth D. Gadow, Joyce Sprafkin, Edith E. Nolan
Date of Publication:	1996
Material(s) Needed for Test:	Observe child
Manual:	Available
Time to Administer:	30 minutes
Charge for one form or kit:	Yes

Purpose and Nature of Test

Construct(s) Measured:	Aggression, Hyperactivity, Conduct problems
Population for which designed:	Grade Level: Kindergarten to Sixth Grade
Method of Administration:	Individual
Source of Information:	Observer
Subtests and Scores:	Interference, Motor Movement, Noncompliance, Nonphysical Aggression, Appropriate Social Interaction, Physical Aggression, Verbal Aggression
Number of Items:	Observational coding systems
Type of Scale:	Open response

Technical Evaluation

Norms: 

Sample Size:	Not reported by author(s).
Population:	Not reported by author(s).
Culture/ethnicity:	Not reported by author(s).
SES Level:	Not reported by author(s).

Reliability: 

Psychometric information:	Provided for Subscales.
The range of Test-Retest Value:	Not assessed
The range of Inter-rater reliability:	0.60 to 0.94
The range of Internal consistency:	Not assessed

Validity: 

 Criterion validity was assessed and found to be acceptable.

Practical Evaluation

Scoring Procedure:	Manual Scoring
Examiner Qualifications and Training Required:	None
Permission Required to Use Instrument:	Yes
If yes, by whom:	Checkmate Plus, Ltd.

Notes

Original Reference(s):

Gadow, K. D., Sprafkin, J., & Nolan, E. E. (1996). ADHD School Observation Code. Stony Brook, NY: Checkmate Plus.

Other Reference(s):

Nolan, E. E., & Gadow, K. D. (1994). Relation between ratings and observations of stimulant drug response in hyperactive children. Journal of Clinical Child Psychology, 23 (1), 78-90. Gadow, K. D., Nolan, E., Sprafkin, J., & Sverd, J. (1995). School observations of children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and comorbid tic disorder: Effects of methylphenidate treatment. Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics, 16 (3), 167-175.

Contact

Organization:	Checkmate Plus, Ltd.
Address:	P.O. Box 696 - Department D
City:	Stony Brook
State:	NY
Zip:	11790-0696
Phone:	(800) 779-4292
Fax:	(631) 360-3432
E-mail:	info@checkmateplus.com
Website:	http://www.checkmateplus.com
Other:	Kenneth Gadow - Professor, State University of New York, Psychiatry - Putnam Hall, Stony Brook, NY 11790; Kenneth.Gadow@sunysb.edu

Last updated by Violence Institute of New Jersey:  July 2006