Describes a model of two alternative roles for the school psychologist working with programs for autistic or emotionally disturbed children. The first concerns behavior management by consultation or direct work with the child. The second approach adds the role of program coordinator. A team approach is advocated. (Author/JAC)

Consultation is one of the school psychologist's major professional functions, and psychologists feel that other school personnel want them to spend more of their professional time consulting than they do at present. Client-centered consultation is the dominant variety practiced. Most learned what they know on the job. (Author)

A national survey of school psychologists found that assessment activities comprised nearly 40 percent of the work time, and consultative activities another one-third of the day. Data were collected on a number of other work activities, as well as characteristics of the respondents and district served. (Author)

While much of the current focus in special education remains on reauthorization of the Individuals with Disabilities Act of 1997, disparities in the identification of children with serious emotional disorders continue to plague special educators and school psychologists. Several years after the issue of social maladjustment and its relationship to…

Surveyed 45 state departments of education to identify professional groups that are providing psychological services in the schools. Results showed 59 percent of the states mandate services of school psychologists by law. A variety of allied professional groups also provide psychological services. (Author/JAC)

Claims that school psychologists will increasingly be called upon to help select electronic augmentative and alternative communication devices in developing individual education plans for special needs children. Reviews assessment factors which must be considered and provides a self-checklist to help school psychologists develop and conduct…

Describes an intern's experience in a diversified field training program for school psychologists and how the role and function of the school psychologist in each setting changes. Discusses benefits of the "extended diversified" model training program as seen by 15 second-year students in such a program. (Author)

Identifies a five-level framework of psychological adjustment specifically for use by school psychologists. The levels range from one of excellent adjustment to severe psychopathology. Guides the school psychologist toward interaction with clients based on a differential scale of adjustment. (Author/KS)

Discusses aspects of first-grade promotion practices, including a study of evaluation criteria used in making retention decisions, an examination of the effectiveness of transition room programs, and the effects of first-grade promotion practices on a program for preventing learning disabilities and academic failure. (JAC)

Pediatric exposure to polychlorinated biphynels (PCBs) is a national health concern with significant implications for school psychologists. According to the healthcare collaboration model, the school psychologist plays a key role in the provision of services to children affected by environmental teratogens. To effectively function as healthcare…

Discusses a brief historical overview of constitutional law as it applies to children, delineated in the First, Fourth, Fifth, Sixth, Eighth, and Fourteenth Amendments. Emphasizes the need for school psychologists and educators to have an understanding of children's developing legal rights. Specific court cases are cited. (Author/JAC)

Analyzed approaches to classroom misbehavior by classroom teachers, and graduate students completing their training in school psychology, using the induction-sensitization model of socialization. Significant differences were noted, with teachers displaying a more sensitizing (punitive) approach to classroom management. A significant…

Examines the role of the computer in administering, scoring, and interpreting psychoeducational tests. Both the intelligent computer model and the computer-as-assistant model are analyzed to determine what threat they may pose to the job security of school psychologists. (Author)

Reviews the historical role of social science in desegregation, and some of the current research on cooperative learning in the desegregated classroom. A comprehensive role for the school psychologist is outlined, in which goals and subgoals, means for achieving them, and anticipated outcomes are clearly delineated. (Author)

School psychologists should use informal assessment to alter both their role and image. They can improve classroom teachers' use of informal assessment by promoting acceptable standards of psychometric quality and providing staff development for teachers. (Author)