Literature on problematic absenteeism in children and adolescents is diverse and dispersed across multiple disciplines, as it has long been a multifaceted and vexatious concern for psychologists, educators, and researchers (Kearney & Bates, 2005). Unfortunately, the investigation of problematic absenteeism from such diverse perspectives over…

Schools need leaders who are prepared to address the complex challenges of the current educational landscape. Questions remain, however, as to the best way to support the development of leaders across disciplines. As graduate educators training new principals, school psychologists and school counselors, a strength afforded is the opportunity to…

Manipulating the ratio of known to unknown items has been shown to improve student on-task behavior and increase the desirability of schoolwork. Although many intervention protocols manipulate ratios of known to unknown items, these frequently require extensive adult cuing. School psychologists recommending such interventions may face resistance…

School psychology research focused on child outcomes is critical for understanding which social and behavioral interventions affect children in schools. Yet effective interventions fulfill their promise when they fit their implementation contexts, are implemented well with existing resources, and can be sustained or scaled up to new populations.…

Positive behavior interventions and supports are increasingly utilized in school systems throughout the nation, particularly the school-wide multi-tiered support framework. Given such trends, and the basis of these practices in psychological principles and research, it is important to identify how school psychologists are trained to contribute to…

Given the current focus on student outcomes, use of the problem-solving model to plan interventions is one method by which school psychologists can hold themselves accountable for implementing counseling interventions that have a positive impact on student behavioral outcomes and mental health. This study surveyed school psychologists about their…

Despite the national proliferation of technical assistance as a driver for school reform and as a model for embedded and sustained professional development, very little is known about the organizational structures and processes needed to support technical assistance. The purpose of this paper is to describe a structured needs assessment process…

A "big idea" is a concept that gives meaning to discrete facts. In this article, the author proposes a small number of big ideas, as well as his own views on where he thinks the field needs to move to achieve its full promise in school-based behavioral and social-emotional assessment. The three big ideas he has selected include: (1) universal…

The behaviour of children and young people in schools is a perennial concern to educators and the wider public alike. It also represents a significant focus for the work of educational psychologists (EPs). Research evidence has identified a number of strategies that teachers, students and school inspectors believe contribute to effective classroom…

The number of children taking psychotropic medications has dramatically increased in recent years. These children typically take medication during school hours, thereby making the school setting an optimal venue in which evaluate the effectiveness of medications. Given their training in data-based decision making, intervention, and assessment,…

With the growing popularity of a response to intervention model of service delivery, the role of intervention management is becoming more prominent. Although many aspects of intervention management have received significant attention, one area that warrants further development involves feasible methods for monitoring student behavior in a…

Examines responses of 40,435 students from the "Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance Survey" and uses student self-reported school risk behaviors to "predict" recent weapon possession at school. Although school risk behaviors were moderately correlated with school weapon possession, many frequent weapon carriers displayed zero…

Explains the differences between systemic and linear approaches to behavior, and provides examples of how the school-based consultant can intervene from a systems perspective, using interviews, short-term family counseling, and teacher consultation. Issues and cautions about using a systemic approach are presented. (Author)

Proposed a practical reinforcement hierarchy for classroom-based behavior modification programs. The seven-level hierarchy ranged from primitive consequences (Infantile Physical Contact and Food) through the more abstract consequences (Praise and Internal Self-Reinforcement). Suggestions were made for using the hierarchy in teacher consultation…

The integration of research and practice is considered essential to the effective delivery of school psychological services. The purpose of this case study is to demonstrate how school psychologists can implement the scientist-practitioner model in applied settings and deliver high quality consultative services to teachers and students. Behavioral…