This study assessed the readiness and practice of specialist-level training programs in school psychology to address the preservice training needs in the area of school violence and youth gang prevention. A survey of 189 programs yielded 90 usable replies describing their training programs. Most of these programs were located in or near midsize…

Over 24,000 school psychologists work in school systems throughout the United States. Examples of what school psychologists do to help educate U.S. children, on a state by state basis, are provided in this report. The text is divided into four components: "Helping Students Learn"; "Helping Teachers Teach"; "Helping Develop Family-Responsive…

A survey of 71 rural Illinois school psychologists examined the frequency of their professional contacts, their level of computer knowledge, and their access to technology. Results indicate that although rural school psychologists serve an average of 1,620 students, practice in an average of 5.5 schools, and work for 2.2 school districts,…

During a crisis, parents can do a great deal to help their child deal with grief and anxiety. This special issue provides information and promising practices that might be helpful in dealing with various crisis situations. Provides the following articles: (1) "Children Killing Children" (Kevin Dwyer); (2) "Disaster: Helping Children…

This study examined the feelings of competency of 30 regular and special middle school teachers in one Suffolk County (New York) school district about educating children with special needs in a fully inclusive setting. A two-part questionnaire provided: (1) demographic and training background information for the teachers; and (2) the teachers'…

The need for accountability in school psychological services is receiving increased attention. School psychologists are now being asked to demonstrate the effectiveness of their services. Data collection procedures can improve services to clients and systems, enhance the delivery system's psychological services program, validate the need for…

This paper presents a summary of the research literature concerning the psychological and behavioral impact of sexual abuse of children and adolescents. It examines the dynamics involved in the process of making such determinations and examines the utility of using Human Figure Drawings as part of an assessment battery to determine the probability…

Numerous counseling needs are generated in the aftermath of school crises, particularly crises involving school violence. Meeting these needs can be assisted when school psychologists involve classroom teachers in the planning and implementation of crisis counseling. This paper provides information about a crisis counseling intervention model…

School psychologists are increasingly expected to become more involved in health related issues. It has been suggested that the frequent visitor to the school nurse (FVSN) is often the student with a high need for security, nurturance, and attachment to an adult at school. This paper focuses on children and adolescents who do not have a chronic…

A model of in-service teacher training was designed to facilitate staff receptivity, and to help redirect teachers away from a problem view of students' behaviors and towards a solution-focused perspective. The model helps orient teachers to an ecological view of students' problem behaviors. The solution-focused perspective means teachers approach…

This book is designed to be a systematic guide that incorporates a thorough analysis of grief in a school. It details normal and abnormal grief reactions, factors affecting these grief responses, and the differences in death beliefs and responses of students at different ages and developmental stages. It can also act as a map or a step-by-step…

Discusses a brief historical overview of constitutional law as it applies to children, delineated in the First, Fourth, Fifth, Sixth, Eighth, and Fourteenth Amendments. Emphasizes the need for school psychologists and educators to have an understanding of children's developing legal rights. Specific court cases are cited. (Author/JAC)

Role of school psychologists in diagnosis of specific learning disability is described. Discusses problems of definition, misidentification, and overidentification and assessment of general intelligence, achievement, perceptual motor coordination, and personality. A model for screening, assessment, and the team evaluation process is discussed, and…

Explains the differences between systemic and linear approaches to behavior, and provides examples of how the school-based consultant can intervene from a systems perspective, using interviews, short-term family counseling, and teacher consultation. Issues and cautions about using a systemic approach are presented. (Author)

Proposed a practical reinforcement hierarchy for classroom-based behavior modification programs. The seven-level hierarchy ranged from primitive consequences (Infantile Physical Contact and Food) through the more abstract consequences (Praise and Internal Self-Reinforcement). Suggestions were made for using the hierarchy in teacher consultation…