A survey of 579 special education professionals investigated the perceived roles of the professionals who use tests and the functions that various tests serve. The issue of turf guarding in assessment responsibilities among professionals working with the learning disabled was considered. (SW)

Research findings indicated that job-related tension and propensity to leave a position were highly correlated for school psychologists (N=171) high in need for clarity. Discussed correlations between other variables. (Author/RC)

Addresses the issue of utilization of program evaluation information in public schools. Provides perspectives on utilization of evaluation information derived from knowledge utilization theory and research. Describes a set of program evaluation guidelines. Reports a meta-evaluation of the application of the guidelines in public schools. (Author)

The author looks at the future of vocational school psychology and examines the determinants that will have variable influence on role and function in the years ahead. These determinants include: district demands and expectations, district's perception of its needs, community response to service, and desired functions of the school psychologist.…

Compared the assessments of 18 judges asked to use an array of information to differentiate learning disabled students. Found judges extremely inaccurate and in little agreement with each other. Different judges emphasized different factors. Results cast doubt on the ability of school personnel to identify learning disabilities accurately.…

To improve the state of school psychology and its outlook for the future, two elements are necessary: people and material. Based on survey results, a format for futuristic thinking about psychology is offered as a more proactive way of influencing the school psychologist's environment. (GK)

A randomly selected group of teachers, principals, and school psychologists were surveyed. Demographic variables, relationships with school psychologists, and preference ratings in five areas: referral priority; information-gathering techniques; utilization of the school psychologist; effectiveness with exceptional children; and remediation…

Groups of adolescent, math-anxious girls were either tutored in mathematics, tutored with self-instruction to reduce anxiety, or received no treatment. Tutoring and self-instruction resulted in increased ranked preferences for math, while math achievement increased more for the self-instruction group. (Author/GK)

Divorce and separation affect how children behave and learn in school. School psychologists can help children and parents cope with the feelings and the effects of divorce. Relevant issues in developing and implementing programs are considered. (Author/RL)

This case study illustrates how behavioral consultation can be integrated by the school psychologist using a modification and expansion of Kennedy's "rapid treatment procedure" in eliminating school phobia. The importance of including teachers, parents, and administrators as consultees and participants in the decision-making process is…

Understanding and developing skills in working with families are important for school psychologists. By viewing a child's problems from a family systems framework, new interventions such as short-term family therapy can be employed. Training programs should include courses in family therapy. (JAC)

A review of the technical data available on the 1972 norms edition of the Stanford-Binet demonstrates how inadequate these data are. The Stanford-Binet should not continue to be used in important decision making processes unless this weakness is corrected. (Author)

Principals indicated that the school psychologist was most helpful when providing the traditional services of psychological testing, personality and emotional assessment, consultation, and screening. Changes desired were more time and an increase in counseling, preventive mental health, and inservice training. (Author)

Experienced and preservice teachers agreed about the importance of the school psychologist and the appropriateness of referral problems. Analysis of ratings revealed that experienced teachers had a more negative opinion of the school psychologist's functioning when compared to their novice counterparts. (Author)

Examines how a university clinic can provide a portion of a school psychology student's practicum experiences. Advantages include providing a broader base of experience than the public schools and intensive doctoral-level supervision. Discusses the need for practicum experiences that expose students to a variety of situations. (Author)