Most histories of the discipline of community psychology attribute its beginning to the Swampscott Conference that occurred in the mid-20th century. The author argues that recognition of the community perspective on human behavior and on its positive as well as pathological characteristics arose far earlier and is reflected in the work of European…

Reflections on the history of real-world (applied) community psychologists trace their participation in the field's official guild, the Society for Community Research and Action (SCRA), beginning with the Swampscott Conference in 1965 through the current date. Four benchmarks are examined. The issues these real-world psychologists bring to the…

Improved medical care and legislative mandates have increased the degree to which students with neuromuscular disorders (NMD) are educated in general education environments. However, many practitioners remain largely unaware of the diverse presentations of disorders and challenges that students with NMD face. Despite the fact that school…

The Association of Black Psychologists (ABPsi) was founded on September 2, 1968, during times of turbulence, turmoil, and unrest in this country. This article chronicles the formation, development, and progress of the ABPsi over the past 40 years. The initial thrust of the ABPsi in its originating years was to denounce racism and the American…

Some legal cases on the freedom of speech in adolescent public school students are discussed. It is suggested that schools, social scientists and psychologists should build a social consensus on the extent to which the freedom of speech for abusive students can be allowed so as not to affect development of other students.

Although much progress has been made in the identification and remediation of academic learning difficulties, less attention has been given to the career development of students with disabilities. Through their psychoeducational evaluations school psychologists are in an excellent position to provide useful information about the vocational…

We identify the major tasks facing pre-tenure faculty members and outline advice, based on a review of the literature and our experiences, for succeeding in academia. The challenges encountered by new faculty include learning the culture of the new academic institution, understanding the processes and policies for academic performance review,…

The purpose of the Individuals with "Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) Part B" grants is to assist States, outlying areas, freely associated States, and the Secretary of the Interior to provide special education and related services to children with disabilities. States must ensure that all children with disabilities residing in the…

Raising any child is challenging for parents, but raising a gifted child can be especially demanding. Parents benefit from quality information about giftedness as well as effective parenting strategies for working with very bright youngsters. Parents may wish to better motivate their gifted children, helping them to take personal responsibility…

What are school staff to do when inspiration strikes but the funding to carry out a vision is lacking? This was the dilemma faced by the staff of the Emotional Disability Services Unit (ED Unit) in the Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) in Maryland. The ED Unit serves 350 students who experience significant emotional challenges that impair…

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…

The author presents an analysis of his changing role as a psychologist committed to relevance in a speech presented at the American Psychological Association, Miami Beach 1970. (BY)

The term "twice exceptional" is used to describe gifted students who also have specific academic, behavioral, and social-emotional difficulties. This is a population of gifted students for whom the expertise and experience of school psychologists may be particularly relevant. This article discusses the ways in which school psychologists can help…

Some insights into the life of a noted psychologist are presented. (CK)

Announces the 2007 recipient of the Gold Medal Award for Life Achievement in the Application of Psychology: McCay Vernon. A brief biography, highlighting areas of special focus in Vernon's work, is provided.