Behavior problems prevalent in schools were examined for a Canadian and a Welsh sample of students, aged 6 to 11, who were referred by their teachers. Their scores from the Achenbach Child Behavior Checklist (Teacher's Report Form) were compared. Similarities were found in the severity and frequency of acting-out or undercontrolled behaviors, while significant differences were seen in inhibited or overcontrolled behaviors. Canadian teachers observed more overcontrolled behaviors among their students who were referred for assistance. Implications regarding cross-national differences in the nature of behavior problems observed in classrooms, their effect on school performance, and teacher expectations are discussed.
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