Schools will begin using the updated version of the Teacher Child Rating Scale T-CRS 3.1 this fall. This 26-item assessment tool has a variety of uses such as:

• Screening: Schools will receive results from 7 subscales as well as an overall school adjustment score as highlighted in this informational flyer.
• Progress Monitoring: Assess student growth over time in 7 areas (assertive social skills, frustration tolerance, peer relationships, task orientation, social awareness, decision making and internalizing behaviors).  
• Program Evaluation: Use outcome results to continuously improve practices.  

In the 2025-26 school year, guidance for selecting students in Primary Project has not changed and includes the following:

• During the first few weeks of school, prior to screening, child associates may observe students in the grade levels that will be served by the program. This additional information can be used to help identify the most appropriate students for Primary Project.
• Students scoring between the 15th -30th percentile on any domain may be ideal candidates for Primary Project. If students fall below the 15th percentile on 2 or more domains, it may indicate a higher level of support is needed.
• Scheduled conferences are critical in discussing students who are appropriate for the program. Conferences are facilitated by the school based mental health professional/program supervisor, with the primary purpose of identifying appropriate students for Primary Project as well as other tiered supports. School based mental health professionals use both the data as well as their clinical judgment in selection of students with mild school adjustment difficulties. 

Further analyses of the new domains during the coming school year may offer additional selection guidance for the 2026-27 school year. To learn more about the use of this tool, contact Research@childrensinstitute.net. Specific programmatic questions should be directed to your program consultant.