Within an RtI problem-solving context, assessment and decision making generally center around the tasks of problem identification, problem analysis, progress monitoring, and program evaluation. We use this framework to discuss the current state of the literature regarding curriculum based measurement, its technical properties, and its utility for…

School psychologists increasingly are called on to assess academic, behavioral, and social functioning of students with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs), as well as advocate for and assist in the development, implementation, and evaluation of evidence-based instructional strategies across a wide variety of education contexts. In this study, we…

Research examining student outcomes (e.g., achievement, adjustment) after grade retention reveals that it does not result in long-term improvements for students; however, grade retention continues to be used as an intervention. The purpose of this study was to examine retention decision-making practices, as well as school psychologists' knowledge,…

Providing individual and group counseling has become an identified role for school psychologists working in the school setting. There is an extensive research base that highlights positive outcomes and supports the use of a variety of counseling methods when working with children and adolescents. However, there may exist a host of other outcomes,…

Practitioner-members of the National Association of School Psychologists (N = 162) completed questionnaires regarding their suicide prevention and postvention roles, training, preparedness, and knowledge. Most were crisis team members, yet less than one-half reported graduate training in suicide risk assessment and less than one-fourth in…

School psychologists have a critical role in identifying social-emotional problems and psychopathology in youth based on a set of personality-assessment competencies. The development of competencies in assessing personality and psychopathology is complex, requiring a variety of integrated methods and approaches. Given the limited extent and scope…

Many school-aged children have experienced the cruelty of bullying. The impact and effects of bullying have been described extensively in scholarly literature. Unfortunately, the impact of bullying has also made contemporary headlines with the recent rash of school shootings and other forms of school-based violence. The current body of students…

Approximately 15% of children experience a significant illness prior to age 18 years. For many of them, school absenteeism, substandard academic performance, and social problems ensue. When disorders affect the central nervous system, some suffer global developmental delays or selective neuropsychological deficits. As health service providers,…

Discusses ideas for role change of school psychologists that have appeared rather consistently in the literature: an emphasis on indirect service, application of the science of psychology, an emphasis on prevention, systematic evaluation of services, involvement with various stakeholders, and consideration of diversity from a broad perspective.…

The role of school psychologists with training in neuropsychology is examined within the context of multitiered models of service delivery and educational reform policies. An expanded role is suggested that builds on expertise in the assessment of neurodevelopmental disorders and extends to broader tiers through consultation practice. Changes in…

School psychology professionals should provide a primary leadership role in school safety initiatives based on their professional training and expertise. Furthermore, the tensions created by social expectation to implement violence prevention and intervention will provide the incentive and momentum for school psychology to redefine itself in the…

Reviews the literature on sexual victimization of minors and the role of school psychologists in assessing and intervening with sexually abused minors. Although estimates of child sexual abuse prevalence differ widely owing to disclosure biases and the researcher definitions, it is clear that child sexual abuse is a serious public problem.…

Even though the role of the school psychologist has become more diversified in recent years, many public school systems remain unaware of the range of potential competencies available. Suggestions are made pertaining to practitioner-initiated activities that can serve to facilitate implementation of the desired role. (Author)

Evaluated the use of computer-automated reading in reading instruction for primary students. Results indicated that compared to controls, students in the experimental group experienced significant achievement gains. The resource role of the school psychologist is also discussed. (JAC)