Community psychology blends psychological science, a community-level perspective on social issues, and a social justice orientation. Despite important difference between community psychology and program evaluation, program evaluation is a key component of many community psychologists' practice and holds a central place in my own. In this…

This article argues that school psychology programs must prepare future school psychologists to address the needs of our increasingly diverse society. Providing training and field experiences that are grounded in multicultural practices, research, and advocacy will foster greater competence in addressing diverse schools', students', and families'…

This study evaluated a professional development intervention that stemmed from a university-district partnership and was developed through participatory action research. Baseline and postintervention survey items showed participating school psychologists' (n = 57) knowledge related to youth suicide improved reliably immediately after the…

Although the need for evaluation of prevention programs is clear, the implementation of evaluation, particularly for large, complex projects with multiple investigators, poses numerous challenges. Program evaluators in these circumstances do not have the same degree of control as, say, experimental psychologists and must find ways to obtain data…

Considers research agendas for moving the school psychology profession forward by yielding unique contributions in the millennium, while enabling school psychologists to enhance outcomes for children and families with greater precision and effectiveness. Specifically examines some research agendas in the areas of diagnosis and assessment,…

From a random sample of members of the 1996-1997 membership directory of the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP), school psychologists' acceptability ratings of three school-based programs for the prevention of adolescent suicide were examined. A total of 211 (46.2%) respondents read a case description of a particular prevention…

School psychologists are excellent candidates to support school administrations interested in implementing a continuum of effective behavior support. To prevent severe problem behavior, best practice suggests implementing a continuum of effective behavior support which includes primary level prevention procedures, secondary level targeted…

Evaluates the violence prevention effects of The Peacemakers Program , a school-based intervention. The program includes a primary prevention component delivered by teachers and a remedial component implemented by school psychologists and counselors. Results reveal significant, positive program effects on six of the seven variables assessed,…

This paper describes an innovative educational program called Project Breakthru, which supports the vision of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. Aligned with the inclusive philosophy of special education services, this program aims at preventing academic and behavioral problems in children by means of restructuring school resources…

Quality substance abuse training for 279 educational personnel (school counselors, school nurses, and school psychologists) across the state of Alabama was provided in a series of two-day training sessions through a federal grant. Although the original grant proposed 7 training sessions, 9 training sessions were ultimately offered over the course…

This book provides a "roadmap" for designing and implementing school psychological services for all students in a school. School psychologists will find guidelines for conducting a mental health needs assessment of the entire student body; analyzing patterns and trends to identify risk factors and common needs; and using the needs assessment to…

The African proverb, it takes a village to raise a child, seems increasingly fitting as problems and complexities of modern life impact the ability to provide healthy settings for the growth and development of children and youth. Psychology has a powerful contribution to make to the creation of "villages" which support and facilitate…

From a random sample of members of the 2000-2001 membership directory of the American Association of School Administrators (AASA), public school administrators' acceptability ratings of three school-based programs for the prevention of adolescent suicide were examined. A total of 210 (46%) respondents examined a description of a suicide prevention…