Describes federally funded personnel preparation project supporting implementation of educational and clinical sequence in handicapped, medically complex, and at-risk infant and toddler specialization. Addresses vehicles of professional development, including courses and seminars, clinical rotations, and research activities. Discusses implications…

Notes that graduate training programs face challenges, as well as opportunities, in fulfillment of their responsibilities to prepare school psychologists for entry into professional practice. Examines nature and origins of potential changes facing school psychology and discusses adequacy of current training programs. Discusses future implications…

Examined school psychologists' (n=249) acceptability ratings of curriculum-based assessment (CBA) and selected standardized measures for evaluating academic performance. Results showed that, although both sets of assessment measures were found to be rated as acceptable, CBA was significantly and consistently rated as more acceptable than…

Examines and describes differences between doctoral and nondoctoral practicing school psychologists. Groups were alike in terms of age, gender, job satisfaction, and years of experience but differed in location, job activities, salaries, and private practice possibilities. Discusses the future role of professionals with doctoral degrees in the…

Studies data from nationwide longitudinal survey on career paths of representative sample of NASP members. Reviews reasons for entering and exiting field of school psychology, and examines patterns of attrition. Finds that vast majority of participants report satisfaction with career choice, and overall attrition rates are low. (Author/JDM)

The Task Force on Defining Scholarship in Psychology has called for an increased emphasis on the scholarship involved in teaching for faculty evaluation processes. Each college and university should also examine its own institutional goals and interests and translate these into their own faculty-evaluation processes. (SLD)

Examines the effects of classwide peer-assisted learning strategies (PALS) in mathematics incorporating the use of curriculum-based measurement on acquisition and transfer learning of three types of students (average-achieving student, low-achieving students, and students with a learning disability). Analysis of variance indicates superior…

Reviews four norm-referenced instruments used to assess preschool and school-aged children. The Social Skills Rating System was found to be the most comprehensive; the School Social Behavior Scales and the Walker-McConnell Scale of Social Competence are useful for more limited school scope. (Author/JDM)

Reports a personal experience in a counseling-exchange program. Concludes that one aspect of the Australian system that was most impressive and extremely progressive was the availability of intensive support for parents of children with learning and behavior problems. (Author/JDM)

Reviews issues from the fields on bilingual and special education that relate to language assessment of linguistically diverse students. Presents analysis of traditional language assessments as well as two alternate approaches--descriptive and dynamic. Presents recommendations for the valid use of language assessment by school psychologists.…

Many enhancements, along with socially driven trends to address needs of students with attention-deficit and disruptive behavior disorders, make the "Diagnostic and Statistical Manual" more relevant to psychologists facing an expanded role. New theoretical developments allow criteria to be viewed within the psychological test model,…

Presents a summary of the "Diagnostic Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders" (DSM) criteria for childhood anxiety and depression disorders, as well as modifications in the diagnostic criteria from DSM-III-R to DSM-IV. Discusses the utility of DSM-IV for school psychologists, including delineating essential criteria for diagnosis and the…

Describes pervasive developmental disorders (PPDs), which are severe conditions that begin in early life and influence multiple areas of development. Conditions include autistic disorders, Asperger's disorder, Rett's disorder, childhood disintegrative disorder, and PPDs "not otherwise specified." Intensive behavioral intervention at an early age…

Reviews articles about Chicago Longitudinal Study and determines that the key questions are: How are circumstances and outcomes linked? How strongly do circumstances affect outcomes? How can school psychologists use prevention research to improve the academic and social well-being of the children they serve? Suggests that school psychologists need…

Highlights how schools currently address mental health; discusses new directions that build on emerging reform themes and reframe prevailing reform models; and outlines ways pupil-service professionals can develop a proactive agenda for shaping the future of mental health in schools. (Author/MKA)