The changing role of the school psychologist in light of societal changes, changes in the profession, and the needs of handicapped children is discussed. Such professional dilemmas as the conflict between requirements for mundane assessment tasks and meaningful psychological practice are considered. Relationships of the school psychologist with…

The article presents a physician's viewpoints on services to handicapped children. Among the areas addressed are independent case management, the various needs of the severely retarded child, and training of professionals serving the handicapped. (SB)

The pediatrician has a primary responsibility for guiding parents through the early diagnostic phase and helping them cope with the multiplicity of ongoing and emerging medical problems that tend to arise. In addition, pediatricians can assist parents to become more confident and competent in relating to their handicapped children (Author)

Five professionals in special education present their views regarding the conflict which arises between acting in the role of child advocate and functioning as a professional employee. Reference is made to suggestions for teacher preparation institutions from G. Frith. (SW)

The article focuses on how the role of school psychologists is being influenced by litigation and legislation and how school psychology is reevaluating its professional standards and ethics. (DB)

This paper examines the nature and extent of friendships between disabled and nondisabled people through a study of several pairs of such friends. Indepth interviews examined such questions as how the individuals met, the history of their relationship, how each individual perceives the friendship, and how this friendship compares to other…

The author analyzes and provides an operational definition of the faculty's role in doctoral-level, competency-based training programs in special education supervision. (SB)

Discussion of transition for students with disabilities emphasizes transition skills needed for life beyond work. The importance of assisting students in planning for their life roles as workers, family members, friends, consumers, and community members is discussed. Suggestions are offered to better prepare students for all their life roles by…

The paper, intended for a Chinese audience, examines roles and functions of the school psychologist in special education in the United States in the context of federal and state (Maryland) legislation and in correctional institutions. Some of the minimum roles of the school psychologist are to serve on the preplacement team, conduct student…

This article explores two issues in conducting qualitative research: (1) the essentials of data collection, and (2) the unique role of the researcher in the data collection process. The author's own research study on use of health and medical information by various members of a classroom team for special education students is used to illustrate…

The paper examines the cultural and economic aspects of the status and role of women in Australian culture and their affect on mothers of disabled children. Changes which incorporate the feminist perspective are recommended at the policy, regional/local, and individual service delivery levels. (DB)

Professional roles in early childhood special education (ECSE) are expanding beyond traditional frameworks of direct service, to include consultation services, program planning and evaluating, and marketing. Potential dangers of role conflict and role overload are noted. (Author/DB)

Discriminatory assessment of minority students for possible handicap is virtually inevitable when the process ignores the societal context within which the students develop and schools educate. The psychologist or special educator should be an advocate for the student, not a legitimizer of existing role relationships. (DB)

In this article, a parent of a child with a developmental disability discusses the complications of parent-professional partnerships and identifies the following five distinct features, or dimensions, which both entangle and enhances the partnership dance: choice, forced intimacy, identification of partners, role expectations, and differing…

Special educators experiencing stress are urged to take greater responsibility for their own well-being by maintaining a balanced lifestyle, planning for success, expanding their support network, creating a positive belief system, making learning a lifelong priority, and learning to cope with complexities and challenges. (DB)