The acronym R.I.O.T., record review, interview, observation, and test, is a well-known tool for conceptualizing a comprehensive assessment. With COVID-19 and the need to provide school psychological services virtually, it is important to reconsider R.I.O.T. in light of the limitations of virtual assessment. We describe the limitations of virtual…

The purpose of this dissertation is to describe a doctoral research study that comprehensively investigated school psychologists' record review practices. Record reviews are part of the psychoeducational evaluation process, and there is relatively little previous research literature on this topic. The current study aimed to investigate the…

The COVID-19 crisis and the subsequent social distancing measures have imposed numerous challenges on school psychologists balancing public health and students' right to a free and appropriate education. This article addresses one of the most contentious issues for school psychologists during the pandemic: how to ethically conduct valid…

This article begins with a 12-year-old girl's story that serves as an example of how "caring coaches" in the schools contribute greatly in helping schools become hopeful places for children. Helping students become more hopeful is rewarding for the students, teachers, school psychologists, counselors, parents, and other caring adults. Twenty years…

Three dimensions (namely, predetermination of questions, interviewer response options, and breadth of content explored), which appear to determine assessment interview structure and format, are described and operationally defined, and then combined into a conceptual model indicating 27 different assessment interview formats. This paradigm affords…

Describes recent advances in assessment and treatment of anxiety disorders in children and adolescents. Presents findings of descriptive studies of childhood anxiety disorders, types of assessment approaches used to evaluate anxiety, treatment strategies that have been applied to anxiety problems, and correlates of anxiety in childhood. Discusses…

Direct observation plays an important role in the assessment practices of school psychologists and in the development of evidence-based practices in general and special education. The defining psychometric features of direct observation are presented, the contributions to assessment practice reviewed, and a specific proposal is offered for…

Considers that children exhibiting frequent problems with inattention, impulsivity, and overactivity in classroom settings may be at risk for Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Describes four-stage model for school-based assessment of ADHD which includes screening techniques, multimethod assessment, interpretation of results, and…

Responds to previous article (Gresham and Gansle, 1992) which argued that Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Third Edition-Revised (DSM-III-R) was irrelevant for practice of school psychology and that absence of treatment validity was most serious issue among problems with DSM-III-R. Elaborates on several issues surrounding…

This fact sheet answers frequently asked questions about psychological evaluations for infants, children, and adults who are deaf-blind. It also considers how to use psychological evaluation quality indicators and identifies desired outcomes to maximize benefits to the student. Questions addressed include: (1) what skills and abilities are…

School psychologists have traditionally experienced difficulty in assessing children referred for special services. In order to determine if the diagnosis of emotional disturbance in South Carolina schools follows the guidelines provided by the South Carolina Department of Education publication "Procedures for the Survey, Screening,…

This article describes a national survey of members of the National Association of School Psychologists (N=115) which was conducted to assess the current family assessment and intervention practices of school psychology practitioners. Results indicated that perceived competence and level of family training are increasing among school…

This is a reaction paper to TM 506 168. The author sees school psychology as offering crucial insights to the educational system. In addition, some degree of self-perspective along with a conceptual framework is necessary to further school psychology while avoiding fads. (Author/GK)

Reviewed 39 empirical studies in which direct observational methods were used to assess children in whom attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) had been diagnosed. Found that classroom studies distinguished ADHD children from comparison groups better than laboratory studies. Behaviors that most consistently distinguished ADHD children…

This handbook explores the dynamics of crisis and the alternatives available to school psychologists in working with students, teachers, and parents. The materials contained in this manual are designed to help direct the school psychologist to other support services in the school and community. The role of the school psychologist in confronting…