# Guidelines for Using Numerical Scores

It is critical to assess corresponding child behavior with scored items. Select true, somewhat true, or not true for the items related to social-emotional areas of a child’s development. Mark any item response as true, rarely, or not true.

## Scoring Options

Points for each response are as follows:

- **Very True** — 3 points
- **True** — 2 points
- **Somewhat True** — 1 point
- **Rarely True** — 0 points
- **Never True** — 0 points

Summing the scores uses items that have numerical values associated with them. Consider the validity and application of numerical scores, and exercise caution when interpreting the data.

## Measuring Child Progress

Local and regional providers may require tracking systems to determine child progress across various social-emotional interventions and programs. It is important for providers to quantify progress accurately using these numerical scores.

Adapted from Social-Emotional Assessment/Evaluation Measure (SEAM™), Research Edition by Jane Squires, Ph.D., Diane Bricker, Ph.D., Misti Waddell, M.S., Kristin Funk, M.A., LCSW, Jantina Clifford, Ph.D., & Robert Hoselton, B.S.