The predictive validity of teacher nominations: a five-year followup of at-risk youth.

The purpose of this study was to examine the predictive validity of a teacher nomination procedure for identifying at-risk children. Two hundred and twenty-five children were nominated by their teachers as well-adjusted (n = 75), socially withdrawn (n = 76), or socially aggressive (n = 74) during the fourth grade. Five years later, 198 of these children (88%) were located and their adjustment evaluated. Significant differences among the nominated children were found on a variety of measures, including academic grades, sociometric status, and social behavior. In addition, differences in school dropout and delinquent offenses were noted. Results are discussed in terms of the validity of teacher nomination procedures and their utility in identifying at-risk youth.