This paper describes the evaluation of a local authority behaviour support initiative that involved the re-location of four behaviour support teachers from pupil referral units into three mainstream secondary schools to work with pupils at risk of exclusion. The evaluation was largely illuminative (Parlett, 1981) and focused on the effect of…

The present study examined whether school psychologists who serve a single school ("In-House" group) differed from school psychologists who serve several schools concurrently ("Traditional" group) in the three areas of job satisfaction, burnout, and effectiveness as perceived by the school psychologist. A total of 63 school psychology…

These papers represent continuing advances in the study of educational and occupational life-paths in psychology. In this commentary, I discuss the findings of each paper within a developmental systems theoretical framework. In doing so, I highlight the continuing need for psychologists to expand their view of the spectrum of psychological…

This book helps school practitioners go beyond putting a label on student behavior problems--it shows how to use assessment to partner with teachers and students to develop effective solutions. The authors provide a framework for determining the types of behavioral data that are needed in a given situation, selecting appropriate measures, and…

This study seeks to provide current survey data from qualified psychologists about effective supervision, in view of increased fieldwork supervision demands, due to restructured initial professional training. A model of effective fieldwork supervision emerges in which a well-managed and communicative partnership between trainee psychologist and…

Following suggestions for updated models of service within the early years educational psychologist (EP) role, the study aimed to provide exploratory research evidence of current models of service delivery and EP attitudes. Questionnaires were completed by 32 EPs. Interviews were conducted with three EPs. Quantitative data obtained were analysed…

The assessment of children's social skills is an important task for school psychologists in both applied and research settings. The present study examines the psychometric properties of parent ratings of the Social Skills Rating System (SSRS), in kindergarten through third grades, testing for measurement differences between boys and girls, between…

Using a vignette-based, mailed survey of 1,401 experienced psychologists, psychiatrists, and social workers, the authors examined how clients' race/ethnicity and clinicians' professional and social characteristics affect their judgment of mental disorder among antisocially behaving youths. Vignettes described problematic behaviors meeting the …

Psychology services provided to children and youth in San Diego (California) City Schools (SDCS) were the subjects of this study. The key research question addressed in this preliminary report explores how psychologists used their time at school sites to promote student mental health, learning, and welfare during 1994-95. Data was collected by…

A self-inventory for school psychologists to become cognizant of their own understanding of and feelings about disenfranchised grief is presented. In death-related behavior, grief is socially constructed. There are social standards that apply to expressing grief; however, there are times when "grieving rules" may not coincide with the situation,…

This digest examines the role of school psychologists in improving educational opportunities for children and adolescents. A variety of issues that affect children and their ability to learn are discussed: widening social class differences and increases in the number of children living in poverty; changing value systems; family disintegration;…

Underachievement in the classroom is a problem which confronts educators and national initiatives such as America 2000. Little field research exists to evaluate the effectiveness of classroom interventions on improving academic performance of the underachiever. A field study was designed and implemented by school psychologists which focused on…

Adolescents with alcohol or other drug problems may be referred to school psychologists for assessment and may demonstrate symptoms similar to handicapping conditions such as learning disabilities or emotional disturbances. School psychologists who work with these students need to have assessment techniques that will help them determine the…

Twelve papers by Iowa school psychologists reflect the profession's focus on assessment and intervention. The following titles and authors are presented: "What to Do When the Whole Swim Team Is Referred" (S. DeKrey); "An Alternative Technique for Reducing a Self-Injurious Behavior in a Profoundly Retarded Male Child" (G. Robinson); "Severe…

This article describes an investigation of consultant services rendered by school psychologists to teachers. Results indicated that consultants lacking in skills failed to identify consultee problems and never reached the stage of plan development and implementation. Consultants successful in identifying problems were able to solve those problems.…