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)

A model child evaluation center was established in a public school to demonstrate alternative methods for providing psychoeducational services, and function as a field training clinic for school psychologists. The center was successful in encouraging teachers to utilize consultative services, and in reducing referrals for psychological evaluation.…

Considers problems that arise at the interface between psychology and education, including inadequate training of school psychologists, the controversy over the use of IQ tests, and insufficient financial resources. Analyzes the role of social and economic forces controlling the policies that affect American schoolchildren. (Author/GC)

Describes the past, current, and suggested future practices in the delivery of school psychological services at the high school level. It is proposed that school psychologists must become integrated into the total social system of the high school to be most effective. (Author)

Evaluation of organizations (school programs) is contrasted to individual cognitive assessments which school psychologists typically perform. Evaluation criteria are suggested and applied to a hypothetical program--committee for the handicapped. Four deterrents to organizational evaluation by school psychologists are cited. (CP)

The external behavior consultant should address these concerns: reducing the threat of outside intervention; meeting staff and administration expectations; supporting school philosophy; maintaining impartiality; and establishing credibility. A case study with a schizophrenic male, age 16, illustrates the importance of these organizational factors.…

School psychologists (30 Ss), learning disabilities teachers (51 Ss), regular class teachers (33 Ss), and learning disabilities supervisors (16 Ss), were asked to rate the importance of 41 criteria for determining a learning disabled child's readiness for mainstreaming. (Author/SBH)

Reviews a contemporary theory of attitude change, the Elaboration Likelihood Model (ELM) of persuasion, and addresses its relevance to school psychology. Claims that a key postulate of ELM is that attitude change results from thoughtful (central route) or nonthoughtful (peripheral route) processes. Illustrations of ELM's utility for school…

Discusses the National Institute of Mental Health's (NIMH) epidemiological studies of childhood and adolescent psychiatric disorders. Notes the significant number of students with diagnosable psychiatric disorders uncovered by the NIMH. Concludes with an agenda for action at the school, district, and governmental levels to include school…

School-based speech pathologists, school psychologists, and child psychiatrists (n=185) were surveyed to examine the role of sociocultural variables on clinicians' impressions of children with autism and related developmental disorders. Professional perceptions of children in hypothetical vignettes varied as a function of both practitioner's…

Reviews what is known about children's conceptions of death, how children grieve, and relevant research. Presents clinicians' guidelines on such issues as explaining death to children, attending funerals, and treating bereaved youths and their families. Outlines a death education program which incorporates developmental and theoretical principles…

Fifty early childhood special educators and 82 school psychologists responded to questionnaires analyzing the school psychologist's role and potential contributions to early childhood programs. While psychologists viewed their primary responsibility as conducting psychological assessments, educators' greatest expressed need was for assistance with…

Presents comprehensive consultation model for promoting family and community involvement in the education process of minority youth, highlighted by cooperative effort between school counselor and school psychologist. Examines three areas of community awareness, family consultation, and paraprofessional development. (NB)

A national survey determines that, following the passage of Public Law 94-142 relating to services for handicapped children, there has been a general increase in the number of states establishing certification standards for school support service positions. The positions most affected were in speech pathology and school psychology. (SLD)