Examines and describes differences between doctoral and nondoctoral practicing school psychologists. Groups were alike in terms of age, gender, job satisfaction, and years of experience but differed in location, job activities, salaries, and private practice possibilities. Discusses the future role of professionals with doctoral degrees in the…

Studies data from nationwide longitudinal survey on career paths of representative sample of NASP members. Reviews reasons for entering and exiting field of school psychology, and examines patterns of attrition. Finds that vast majority of participants report satisfaction with career choice, and overall attrition rates are low. (Author/JDM)

Examines the effects of classwide peer-assisted learning strategies (PALS) in mathematics incorporating the use of curriculum-based measurement on acquisition and transfer learning of three types of students (average-achieving student, low-achieving students, and students with a learning disability). Analysis of variance indicates superior…

Reviews four norm-referenced instruments used to assess preschool and school-aged children. The Social Skills Rating System was found to be the most comprehensive; the School Social Behavior Scales and the Walker-McConnell Scale of Social Competence are useful for more limited school scope. (Author/JDM)

Reports a personal experience in a counseling-exchange program. Concludes that one aspect of the Australian system that was most impressive and extremely progressive was the availability of intensive support for parents of children with learning and behavior problems. (Author/JDM)

Reviews issues from the fields on bilingual and special education that relate to language assessment of linguistically diverse students. Presents analysis of traditional language assessments as well as two alternate approaches--descriptive and dynamic. Presents recommendations for the valid use of language assessment by school psychologists.…

Many enhancements, along with socially driven trends to address needs of students with attention-deficit and disruptive behavior disorders, make the "Diagnostic and Statistical Manual" more relevant to psychologists facing an expanded role. New theoretical developments allow criteria to be viewed within the psychological test model,…

Presents a summary of the "Diagnostic Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders" (DSM) criteria for childhood anxiety and depression disorders, as well as modifications in the diagnostic criteria from DSM-III-R to DSM-IV. Discusses the utility of DSM-IV for school psychologists, including delineating essential criteria for diagnosis and the…

Describes pervasive developmental disorders (PPDs), which are severe conditions that begin in early life and influence multiple areas of development. Conditions include autistic disorders, Asperger's disorder, Rett's disorder, childhood disintegrative disorder, and PPDs "not otherwise specified." Intensive behavioral intervention at an early age…

Reviews articles about Chicago Longitudinal Study and determines that the key questions are: How are circumstances and outcomes linked? How strongly do circumstances affect outcomes? How can school psychologists use prevention research to improve the academic and social well-being of the children they serve? Suggests that school psychologists need…

Highlights how schools currently address mental health; discusses new directions that build on emerging reform themes and reframe prevailing reform models; and outlines ways pupil-service professionals can develop a proactive agenda for shaping the future of mental health in schools. (Author/MKA)

Examines the reliability and validity of the Suicidal Ideation Questionnaire-Junior (SIQ-JR) as an instrument for identifying and assessing current suicidal ideation in a sample of 91 children and adolescents. Psychometric results showed that the internal consistency reliability coefficient and the test-retest reliability coefficient of the SIQ-JR…

A sample of 444 nationally certified school psychologists were surveyed to determine which causes of dropping out should be national priorities. The five factors that emerged are criminal/victimization, different from peer group, school conflict, dysfunctional family/lack of support, and family responsibilities. School psychologists perceived…

Argues that assessment based on the content of a reading curriculum will not necessarily promote more effective instruction than one not so based. Focuses on reading ability, individual differences in the ability to read, instruction in reading, curriculum-based assessment of students' skill in reading, and assessment of comprehension. (RJM)

Outlines factors to consider when planning prevention, treatment, or abstinence maintenance intervention for drug abuse, particularly marijuana abuse in schools. Discusses literature on effectiveness of anti-drug campaigns on drug use; reviews spectrum of mental health interventions; and provides examples of programming. Examines role that…