The Scale for Assessing Emotional Disturbances (SAED) is a standardized, norm-referenced scale used to identify children who qualify for the federal special education category of "emotional disturbance". It uses the five conditions on which identification of emotional disturbance is based under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act as amended in 1997. This study presents data from norming, factor analysis, and construct validity studies. The measure's subscales examine: (1) inability to learn; (2) relationship problems; (3) inappropriate behavior; (4) unhappiness or depression; (5) physical symptoms or fears; (6) social maladjustment; and (7) overall competence. The paper concludes that the SAED is well constructed and has excellent psychometric properties. It recommends the measure to: identify students with emotional disturbances; aid in the prereferral screening of large groups of students; clarify the "socially maladjusted" and "adversely affects educational performance" conditions of decision-making about emotional disturbances under the law; and select appropriate education goals for an individualized education program. (DB)