Schools are not what they used to be because our society is not what it used to be. The articles appearing here discuss ways that schools can supply future societal need. The articles include: (1) "The Educational Quality Improvement Process Model" (David G. Burgess); (2) "Total Quality Management: How It Works in Schools"…

School psychology occupies a curious space between the educational and mental health service systems of American society. As professionals trained in mental health, but employed and located in educational settings, school psychologists' contributions are too easily overlooked by both worlds. Despite the fact that school psychologists were never…

This practicum attempted to improve the triennial review process for high school students receiving special education services, make these reviews more meaningful, and use these reviews to enhance instructional programming. A survey of staff (N=18) involved in special education planning was followed by development of an inservice training program…

This study investigated vocational readiness of adolescent American Indians with learning disabilities by examining tests and procedures employed by 24 school psychologists in Montana, assessing American Indian high school students on skills and interests useful in seeking and maintaining employment, obtaining work samples and vocational interest…

The paper examines critical issues involved in the debate over the Regular Education Initiative (REI) to merge special and regular education, with emphasis on implications for school psychologists. The arguments of proponents and opponents of the REI are summarized and the lack of involvement by school psychologists is noted. The REI is seen to…

Information on vocational school psychology and resource materials are presented. After an introduction to the history of vocational school psychology, a distinction is made between career education and vocational education, and components of the vocational assessment process are examined. In addition, vocational assessment methods are discussed,…

To increase the reading achievement of a group of first grade students expected to experience reading difficulties during their first grade year, a practicum study involved the collaboration of a school psychologist with teachers, parents, and fifth graders (in cross age tutoring) to provide services emphasizing holistic, literature-based…

This document describes a practicum designed to increase elementary school parents' implementation of academic and/or social skills recommendations from a school psychologist who performed psychoeducational evaluations. It notes that, when students were referred to the school psychologist, the psychologist would perform an evaluation, interpret…

School psychologists who work in rural areas face difficult problems because of the setting in which they practice. Traditional models for delivering psychological services in urban and suburban schools are not typically generalizable to rural service delivery. Rural school districts tend to be closed and rigid, reflecting the nature of the…

The perceptions of 456 school personnel, 181 parents, and 38 mental hygienists toward the seriousness of children's behavior with regard to adult adjustment were measured with a modified version of the Wickman Behavior Rating Scale. Results indicated that mental hygienists and teachers differed greatly in their perceptions of the seriousness of…

The Dade County Florida Public Schools Area Student Services Program provides a variety of guidance and psychological support services to students, parents and schools. An evaluation of the services provided by school psychologists and visiting teachers revealed that there were few, if any, problems for psychological services brought about by…

This government publication contains eight papers devoted to mental health and schools. Focus was on the conceptual basis for prevention of mental and emotional disorders in children and adults. Contributions deal with opportunities for school psychologists in this area, the ego process in learning, interventions that develop ego strength, and…

A model is proposed to project optimal school psychology service ratios based upon the percentages of at risk students enrolled within a given school population. Using the standard 1:1,000 service ratio advocated by The National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) as a starting point, ratios are then adjusted based upon the size of three…

This volume of the journal for the California Association of School Psychologists provides current information on a broad array of topics related to the work of school psychologists. The articles contribute important information on contemporary issues in the field, such as using a strength-based perspective when assessing students, student support…

Increasingly, school services are being guided by a problem solving approach and are evaluated by the achievement of positive outcomes. This shift is explored here in 96 chapters and 11 appendices. The volume provides a comprehensive reference relating contemporary research and thought to quality professional services. Part 1, "Professional…