The Relationship and Consistency in Ratings Between the Conners 3 Executive Functioning Scale and the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Functioning

Broadband behavior rating scales are commonly used in schools to gain data to help make critical decisions about a student’s educational programming and whether he or she is eligible to receive special education services. Several broadband behavior rating scales are beginning to include a scale that assesses executive functioning. This study investigated how scores from an executive functioning scale on a broadband behavior rating scale (Conners 3, Conners, 2008) compared to an established scale that only measures executive functioning (Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function [BRIEF], Gioia, Isquith, Guy, & Kenworthy, 2000). Teachers completed both scales at the same point in time on students receiving academic interventions or special education services. Results indicated that the Conners 3 executive functioning scale primarily measures one scale on the BRIEF related to planning and organization skills. These results suggest that those using the Conners 3 executive functioning scale should be aware of the limited range of skills assessed and that they should be cautious in their interpretation of the scale when evaluating a student’s executive functioning skills