The article discusses conditions in rural school settings which may create or exacerbate problems of burnout among rural school pyschologists. Specifically, problems concerning role and function, professional support, visibility, and preservice training are related to rural practice. Also, suggestions for coping with stress and burnout in rural…

Outlines a number of barriers in behavioral consultation, including the lack of standardization of consultation, lack of specific training of consultants, little or no consultee (teacher) training, problems surrounding target behavior identification, and external constraints to consultation. Each area is described along several dimensions that…

Questionnaires were completed by 346 randomly selected respondents (classroom teachers, elementary school principals, school psychologists, and learning disabilities teachers). Analysis revealed that educators generally had positive attitudes toward speech-language services; however, there was some confusion regarding team member roles and…

A Consultation Feedback Questionnaire was designed to examine subjective perceptions of consultees as related to assumptions regarding school-based consultation. Subjects were 191 teachers who had utilized psychological consultation services in diverse school settings. Results showed consultee's perceptions of consultation outcomes to be highly…

Investigated the effects of presence or absence of a self-monitoring form and twice-weekly meetings with a psychologist on a third-grader's school work completion. Results indicated the physical presence of the recording device was necessary to influence completion of school assignments. Psychologist sessions without self-monitoring demonstrated…

Describes a project that involved school psychology students in doing applied research. The possible impact of such a plan on creating cooperative research opportunities, on providing training in applied research, and on influencing the school's perception of the school psychologist's role is considered. (Author/JAC)

Examined the influence of counselor sex on students' (N=188) expectations of counselor expertness and understanding. Results showed most students expressed no gender preference for vocational problems, but women showed a pattern of preferring a woman counselor for some personal problems. (JAC)

Two studies illustrating a methodology for describing similarities and distinctions between related constructs are reported. In Study 1, psychologists described behavioral and personality characteristics of preschool children through definitions of social competence and self-esteem using Q-set items. In Study 2, the relation between conceptual…

The need for an ecological approach to cognitive assessment of preschool-aged children is discussed. Purposes of and popular approaches for cognitive assessment are presented. Tests and techniques are reviewed, and implications for the practice of psychology in the schools are discussed. (Author/LMO)

A national survey of graduating students (n=232) and current practitioners (n=195) was conducted to assess their perceptions about their training for the many roles school psychologists are expected to perform. Both groups perceived the quality of their training highest for traditional, direct service role. (Author/EGS)

Describes changes that have transformed the field of school psychology over the last 40 years, such as moving toward a role that encompasses the culture of the school setting and its relationship to the community. Cites a remaining problem as redefinition of human resources needed. (LLL)

Examined preference ratings of classroom teachers, special education teachers, and administrators (N=105) regarding four consultation approaches with respect to five stages of a consultation process. Results indicated a preference for collaboration over other indirect service models in their consultee role vis-a-vis school psychological…

Reviewed a program designed to assist multidisciplinary teams engaged in screening and eligibility determination to assess their own functioning and set specific goals to improve their case handling procedures. Described the approach and provided some preliminary data on the usefulness of the program. (LLL)

Considers the need for a theoretical and practical model for family-oriented school psychology. Discusses family systems theory and recommends ecological developmental theory as a more comprehensive alternative. Uses the ecological framework to describe family orientation with respect to the school psychologist's roles. (JAC)

Discusses psychological report writing and suggests that current guidelines have not been responsive to changes in professional practice stemming from legal mandates, changing professional roles, and contemporary theory and practice. Reviews approaches to assessment and their potential influence on report writing and presents a contemporary…