To explore factors related to selective mutism (SM), a survey of persons (N=153, including 135 children) with SM was undertaken. Three theoretical assumptions are supported: (1) variant talking behaviors prior to identification of SM; (2) link between SM and social anxiety; (3) potential link between temperament and SM. (EMK)

Highlights gaps in initiatives to restructure education, community health, and social services. Introduces enabling components to address gaps and accelerate reform beyond full-service school model. Outlines examples of current efforts to operationalize the unifying, policy-oriented concept. Stresses implications for school psychologists in terms…

Raises the questions of where school psychologists fit into school reform and whether they have the organizational knowledge and skill to contribute to this comprehensive process. Critical to success of programs is the use of a collaborative problem-solving consultative model, which incorporates a four-stage process: problem identification,…

Describes general components of attribution theory as it applies to social motivation and behavior in children. Reviews research on the subject and its application in context of best practices, cognitive behavioral model of social-skills training. Details use of attributional assessment, modeling, and coaching/reframing for each phase of training.…

Suggests shift in school psychologists' diagnostic perspective from one on learning disabilities to one on curriculum disabilities. It is essential, because curriculum disabilities might be a leading cause of pervasive failure in America's schools. Explains three classes of educational tools (textbooks, electronic technology, and other media)…

School psychologists, considered experts on intelligence and assessment, have an ethical obligation to read and understand "The Bell Curve: Intelligence and Class Structure in America." Many would rather avoid than confront issues presented. Discusses four questions to consider before dismissing the book: "How helpful is it?"; "Could the…

In response to the rising number of adolescents and infants who are infected with HIV, school psychologists must become experts in issues pertaining to pediatric HIV/AIDS. This article describes medical consequences of HIV and psychosocial sequalea. Discusses recommendations for school-based AIDS-education programs designed to prevent HIV…

Gives background information on the journal's mini-series on reading assessment and intervention. States that over the past decade cognitive psychologists have learned that reading disabilities are primarily language-related disorders and neuropsychologists have advanced ideas on reading process. The mini-series seeks positive and significant…

Focuses on research about application of text-to-speech systems in diagnosing and remediating word recognition, vocabulary knowledge, and comprehension disabilities. As school psychologists move toward a consultative model of service delivery, they need to know about technology such as speech synthesizers, digitizers, optical-character-recognition…

This miniseries summarizes the major modifications in the "Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders" (DSM), and evaluates research pertaining to the changes made in the criteria for diagnoses. States that it is important for school psychologists to understand the contributions and limitations of the DSM because they often…

Describes major modifications in diagnostic criteria for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) reflected in Diagnostic Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), summarizing pertinent research. Discusses clinical utility and limitations of DSM-IV with regard to the practice of school psychology. Gives specific suggestions to guide…

States that the literature suggests that decision makers lack insight into the cues they use to reach conclusions. Compares school psychologists' subjective versus objective cue-use when analyzing three clinical cases. Results indicated that there was little correspondence between the psychologists' subjective impressions about the importance of…

Presents a blueprint from Project ACHIEVE toward effective school discipline, safety, and crisis prevention that provides an example of how school psychologists can expand their role using organizational and strategic planning principles and activities as well as to alert school psychologists as to a field-tested process that addresses the…

School psychologists are often asked to respond to student violence based on incomplete information about the nature and scope of these problems. Compares the methods and findings of three national surveys of students to understand what methodological characteristics have the most salient impact on their findings. Results suggest that student…

Examines the diagnostic utility of subtest variability for identifying students with learning disabilities (LD) by surveying students (n=2,200) in a normative sample and students (n=684) identified as LD. Results indicated that LD students did not differ from normative sample students at levels above chance. Concludes that deviation of individual…