The major defect of a jurisdictional relationship for school psychology with Divisions of Special Education is that the major portion of professional time is spent on the evaluation and placement of exceptional children rather than on wider problems affecting the total school. A possible solution is offered. (Author/CG)

The school psychologist should conduct half hour discussions with entire classes with the teacher present. The discussions should be partially or wholly unstructured so that students can speak freely on whatever they feel strongly about. Students and teacher gain an appreciation of others' ideas and feelings. Excerpts from a tapescript of a…

The influence of demographic variables on perception of teachers, administrators, and school psychologists when establishing preference rankings in five areas of school psychological services were examined. Analyses indicated contradictory perceptions among respondents. Age, sex, degree, experience, and level of assignment affected the subjects'…

Uses case studies to illustrate adaptations of reframing by the school psychologist in a single-parent conference. The family is offered a reformulation of the child's problem in interactional terms. The underlying motivation is shown in a positive light and gives the family a new definition of the situation. (Author/JAC)

This paper presents four challenges facing multidisciplinary teams (MDT): (1) ensuring efficient use of available time; (2) developing the skills and knowledge base of team members; (3) assigning available personnel resources; and (4) developing strategies for reduction of team member stress guidelines for planning internal MDT evaluation…

Three areas related to decision making are discussed: (1) a research survey summary of multidisciplinary team decision making (MTD); (2) four approaches for structuring MTD decision making; and (3) styles of leadership as a factor that impacts on the decision-making teams. (Author/PN)

Attitudes of 168 practitioners (pediatricians, psychologists, special educators, allied health professionals, and social workers) toward mental retardation were compared. Results showed that pediatricians were significantly more pessimistic about the ultimate abilities of mentally retarded adults than psychologists and educators. (Author/SEW)

A congressman discusses adverse effects of Federal policy and budget cuts on social programs for children, holds that children's lack of political visibility means that their interests are not always protected, and examines the role of psychologists and the Congressional Select Committee on Children, Youth, and Families in promoting child welfare.…

Provides a rationale for obtaining evaluative feedback concerning the perceived usefulness of school psychological reports and their impact on the development of individual educational plans. Research data and authoritative opinion support the need for feedback on a case-by-case basis. A working copy of a brief evaluation form is included. (Author)

Cites references in school psychology literature and describes a comprehensive paraprofessional training/supervisory model utilizing secondary level students and incorporating 12 paraprofessional involvement areas as part of a high school psychological services delivery system. Notes individual client data and program evaluation portray student…

An historical perspective on the development of interest in children's psychological rights is presented. Changing concepts of childhood, children's rights movements, and declarations of children's rights, as proposed by the United Nations, the 1970 White House Conference on Children, and the International School Psychology Committee, are…

The author expresses some notions about school psychology and how it impinges upon his world, emphasizing that no profession can exist meaningfully today outside the context of public policy or afford to be indifferent to this fact. Some precepts are offered regarding better public policy relating to school psychology. (GK)

Three perspectives are developed in this reaction paper (see TM 506 171): (1) to make bold predictions of our future society and formulate needs that will be generated for school (2) to examine current assessment practices with specific focus on minority populations; and (3) an elaboration of the second perspective. (Author/GK)

Surveyed field experiences in school psychology programs at the doctoral and nondoctoral levels. Three program levels (Masters, Advanced Graduate Status, and Doctoral) were compared on the field-based component of training. Programs at all levels introduced field experiences the first year and continued to offer them throughout training.…