Vanderbilt ADHD Teacher Assessment Scale

Complete Teacher Rating Scale for ADHD Evaluation

Basic Information

Instructions

Each rating should be considered in the context of what is appropriate for the age of the child you are rating and should reflect that child's behavior since the beginning of the school year.

For items 1-35: Rate how often you observe this behavior

For items 36-43: Rate the student's performance in each area

Inattention Symptoms (Items 1-9)

1. Fails to give attention to details or makes careless mistakes in schoolwork
2. Has difficulty sustaining attention to tasks or activities
3. Does not seem to listen when spoken to directly
4. Does not follow through on instructions and fails to finish schoolwork (not due to oppositional behavior or failure to understand)
5. Has difficulty organizing tasks and activities
6. Avoids, dislikes, or is reluctant to engage in tasks that require sustained mental effort
7. Loses things necessary for tasks or activities (school assignments, pencils, or books)
8. Is easily distracted by extraneous stimuli
9. Is forgetful in daily activities

Hyperactivity/Impulsivity Symptoms (Items 10-18)

10. Fidgets with hands or feet or squirms in seat
11. Leaves seat in classroom or in other situations in which remaining seated is expected
12. Runs about or climbs excessively in situations in which remaining seated is expected
13. Has difficulty playing or engaging in leisure activities quietly
14. Is "on the go" or often acts as if "driven by a motor"
15. Talks excessively
16. Blurts out answers before questions have been completed
17. Has difficulty waiting in line
18. Interrupts or intrudes on others (e.g., butts into conversations/games)

Oppositional Defiant Symptoms (Items 19-22)

19. Loses temper
20. Actively defies or refuses to comply with adult's requests or rules
21. Is angry or resentful
22. Is spiteful and vindictive

Conduct Disorder Symptoms (Items 23-28)

23. Bullies, threatens, or intimidates others
24. Initiates physical fights
25. Lies to obtain goods for favors or to avoid obligations (e.g., "cons" others)
26. Is physically cruel to people
27. Has stolen items of nontrivial value
28. Deliberately destroys others' property

Anxiety/Depression Symptoms (Items 29-35)

29. Is fearful, anxious, or worried
30. Is self-conscious or easily embarrassed
31. Is afraid to try new things for fear of making mistakes
32. Feels worthless or inferior
33. Blames self for problems; feels guilty
34. Feels lonely, unwanted, or unloved; complains that "no one loves him or her"
35. Is sad, unhappy, or depressed

Academic Performance (Items 36-38)

36. Reading
37. Mathematics
38. Written expression

Classroom Behavioral Performance (Items 39-43)

39. Relationship with peers
40. Following directions
41. Disrupting class
42. Assignment completion
43. Organizational skills

Vanderbilt Teacher Assessment Results

Important Clinical Disclaimer

This assessment tool is for screening purposes only and should not be used as the sole basis for diagnosis. A comprehensive clinical evaluation by a qualified healthcare professional is required for proper diagnosis and treatment planning. The results should be interpreted within the context of other clinical information and observations.