Psychometrics of the MCARS

Research and Validation of MCARS

MCARS was developed by comparing ratings from two groups of students: those receiving counseling as a related service and those functioning well across areas of school adjustment. Research-based items were created to measure critical aspects of student functioning in the school setting. Norms were established using ratings of students in kindergarten through grade 12. Data analysis showed a clear difference in total scores between the two groups, demonstrating strong internal reliability and validity.

Total Score of Students currently receiving counseling as a related service

Mean 60

SD 18

SEM 2.0

Total Score of Students currently functioning well in school

Mean 45

SD 14

SEM 2.1

P-value of T Test >.01

Cronbach Alpha .93

Grade Distribution in Reference Sample

K - 15

1 - 15

2 - 18

3 - 17

4 - 15

5 - 15

6 - 16

7 - 10

8 - 10

9 - 19

10 - 14

11 - 13

12 - 10

Updated Research - 10/19/2025

The following updated data analysis of the MCARS is based on an n=1177 subjects.

Here are the summary statistics for your full dataset:

• Mean: 59.08

• Median (Q2): 59.0

• Mode: 76

• Standard Deviation: 16.68

• Minimum: 23

• Maximum: 110

• 1st Quartile (Q1): 46.0

• 3rd Quartile (Q3): 71.25

Cronbach Alpha .9

Reference Group Demographics

Race/Ethicity

White/Non-Hispanic: 61.75%

Hispanic/Latino: 14.50%

African American: 12.98%

Other: 6.19%

Asian: 3.22%

American Indian or Alaskan Native: 1.02%

Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander: 0.17%

AMENA: 0.17%

Gender/Gender Identity

Male: 60.14%

Female: 37.49%

Nonbinary: 0.85%

Other: 0.68%

Transgender male: 0.42%

Transgender female: 0.25%

Gender Fluid: 0.17%

Grade

Grade 5: 11.79%

Grade 4: 10.43%

Grade 3: 10.09%

Grade 7: 9.75%

Grade 8: 9.50%

Grade 10: 7.46%

Grade 6: 6.87%

Grade 2: 6.79%

Grade 1: 6.53%

Grade 9: 6.19%

Kindergarten: 5.85%

Grade 11: 4.24%

Grade 12: 3.14%

Ungraded: 1.36%