Regardless of the complexity of issues or the instructor's fallibility, the instructure must make decisions around group problems of: (1) process v content; (2) purpose; and (3) format. These tensions mirror the tensions consultants face in work in schools. Coping with them may mean student consultants are better prepared. (JAC)

The interprofessional child study team can provide greater accuracy in decision making and a creative extension of psychoeducational services to the school. Four problem areas presently interfere: minimal parental and educator involvement, unsystematic analysis of diagnostic information, a loosely construed decision-making/planning process, and…

Research is reviewed on the effects of stimulant drugs on the classroom behavior and academic achievement of hyperactive children. Results indicate that stimulant drugs do not appreciably improve academic achievement, but are effective in improving attention span, on-task behavior, activity level, and disruptive behavior. (Author/MH)

Behavior of eight emotionally disturbed boys improved dramatically after a school psychologist observed their class and suggested management techniques. The psychologist clarified the teacher's role as educator, not clinician; restructured the daily schedule; increased the teacher's understanding of reinforcement; and implemented a token economy…

By using psychodrama techniques in inservice programming, improvement in communication among members of the school community occurs. With modification the psychodrama approach can be used with inservice teachers and administrators to improve self-realization and communication. A program using psychodrama techniques is described in the article.…

This paper proposes a model of a process group conducted with elementary learning disabled students. The school psychologist is proposed as leader of the group. Five goals are identified and the process of the group is discussed. Specific procedures are mentioned to enable the school psychologist to conduct a process group. (Author)

This article examines the psychological needs of a high school student whose best friend was murdered. After describing how one teacher handled the situation, the article offers a school counselor's view and a school psychologist's view of how to handle such a situation. (SM)

In a letter to a student with disabilities who is included in mainstream education, a school psychologist shares issues, concerns, and insights about their year together. The letter examines what this student taught school personnel and peers and explains that inclusion is nothing more than quality education for all students. (SM)

Describes Pianta's book as a manual to guide teachers through a theory and analyses that should lead to more effective relationship skills in their work with individual children and groups of children. Highlights how Pianta argues effectively that instructional strategies are embedded in a system of interpersonal relationships that can enhance or…

Examined levels of burnout and relationships between burnout and selected personality characteristics and role expectations in a sample of school psychologists employed as practitioners in school settings. Results indicated personality variables related significantly to burnout over and above demographic and work condition variables. Implications…

To demonstrate the school psychologist's role in effecting appropriate interventions for children with communication disorders, a 5-year individualized education program for 1 boy (followed from age 27 months to 6 years) with a severe communication disorder is described. The collaborative nature of the consultative parent/educational staff…

The role of the school psychologist in assessing communication skills of students with severe disabilities is explored, and the psychologist's role as educational team leader in interventions is discussed. A contextual assessment procedure is recommended for its practical value to direct service providers. (SLD)

A simulated report of a child referred either for learning disabilities or gifted placement consideration was reviewed by 40 practicing school psychologists. Results indicate that reason for referral resulted in significant levels of bias regarding assessment and recall of the report and classification of the student. (TJH)

Proposes a counseling model for elementary schools that integrates five consultation parameters: (1) consultation goal; (2) consulting relationship; (3) consultant role; (4) consultee role; and (5) consultant communication skill. Discusses relation between parameters and five consultation stages. Model assumes no sophistication on the part of the…

Five scenarios of child abuse were used to study the recognition and reporting of child abuse by 664 teachers, counselors, school psychologists, principals, and district superintendents. Areas of concern included: reporting rates, effects of victim and reporter gender, and knowledge of and support for mandatory reporting among educators. (SW)