This paper presents an approach to in-service training for teachers, as change agents, which attempts to be relevant to their needs in their environment. (Author)

This paper reiterates the utility of both standardized tests and direct observations of behavior, despite the problems related to each of these assessment procedures. An additional assessment technique is recommended which combines the "best of both worlds". Three examples of observations with norms are described. (Author)

In this article several functions for the school psychologist were proposed, including assistance in the selection of students for vocational programs designed for the handicapped and disadvantaged, teacher consultation, and consultation in the development of career programs. (Author)

This paper discusses the need for, and development of, a program of psychoeducational therapy within a school system. Reasons are delineated that make this a responsibility model of school psychology practice. The therapy program is part of a larger supporting thrust in intervention, features of which are briefly referred to. (Author)

Although much research has been done examining adult stressors, only recently have researchers focused attention on measuring levels of stress in children. Because children tend not to be aware of their own tense state, instruments are needed to measure levels of stress in children. The two main methods of measuring stress in children are to ask…

This paper presents the basic premises of Solution Focused Brief Therapy, a model of intervention based on systems theory, and how this approach is uniquely suited to the needs of school psychologists within a public school setting. Five key principles are described: (1) complaints are interaction based; (2) change in one part of the system leads…

This document discusses basic knowledge about the reading process, in order to help school psychologists make effective recommendations for educational programming. The paper begins by identifying and describing three models of the reading process, a traditional "bottom-up" model, a more emergent "top-down" view, and an interactive model which…

Federal and local mandates to expand the services of school psychologists downward to children ages 3 to 5 and interest in private practice and employment in institutions other than public schools have increased school psychologists' desires for broader role definitions. To meet the needs of the client group created by recent changes in the…

There has been an increasing call for school psychologists to spend time collecting data that are functionally related to the planning of academic interventions. In order to identify the problem and plan for remediation, data must be taken that bear directly on the child's academic problems in the classroom and the curricular sequences actually…

This practicum was designed: (1) to familiarize elementary school teachers with pertinent measurement and evaluation concepts and tests; (2) to delineate the teacher's role in the referral process and to provide selection criteria to identify potential referrals more accurately; (3) to provide information on the interpretation of aptitude test…

The goal of this project was to increase regular teacher attendance and active participation during multidisciplinary team (MDT) conferences held to ensure appropriate decisions regarding eligibility, placement, and programming of special needs students. The school psychologist, as a member of the team in the target school in Dade County, Florida,…

In reviewing the role of the school psychologist, this paper points out the disparity between actual and proposed roles, and suggests that student paraprofessionals could be trained to narrow the gap. Several examples of the student as helper concept are reviewed, and advantages are discussed. A rationale for incorporating the student…

Definitions of stress all imply that stress is a condition resulting from some change or imbalance that requires individual adjustment. When this does not occur, stress becomes an adverse condition which may eventually cause serious harm. Numerous studies have established the connection between unrelieved stress and adverse body reactions such as…

The purpose of this research was to test the effectiveness of a high school psychology course in promoting positive personal and vocational development. The findings suggest that the students in the psychology course showed more positive mental health and more vocational maturity than students in the control group. (Author)

Describes a multifaceted approach to pupil personnel services wherein the school psychologists, the school social worker and non-professional personnel combined efforts to provide maximum service with limited financial resources. Includes several case studies with discussion of how each was approached. (Author/HMV)