A summary of findings on consequences of maltreatment in early childhood and a discussion of major developmental issues during infancy and toddlerhood are presented. Salient features of sensitive and insensitive parenting during those periods and implications of this information for school psychologists are discussed. (JAZ)

Some innovative methods of serving the rural handicapped population are described: volunteers; telecommunications for home instruction; SPECIALNET electronic mail; and resources for parents. Three cases involving Utah's Cooperative Extension Project for the Handicapped summarize services for handicapped and Indian students. (GDC)

School psychologists have experienced difficulties in assessing students' behavior disorders, because of lack of training and problems associated with the traditional medical model of abnormal behavior. An alternative assessment model is described in terms of its five principles: problem solving; functional analysis; multiple operationalism;…

This book discusses the prevention of problems and the promotion of success for school children today. Chapters include: (1) "Preventing Aggression and Violence" (George G. Bear, Carolyn Webster-Stratton, Michael J. Furlong, and Sabrina Rhee); (2) "Promoting Social and Emotional Competence in Children" (Joseph E. Zins, Maurice J. Elias, Mark T.…

The purpose of this digest is to summarize major portions of the literature on assessment in counseling and therapy. In this collection of 32 digests, assessment is used to refer to assessment of clients as well as evaluations of program and counselor effectiveness. Recognized professionals have written about topics that are grouped into nine…

School psychologists are in a unique position to add to the discussion about accountability efforts and the effect on students, teachers, and education. At the end of North Carolina's 2000-2001 school year, End-of-Grade (EOG) scores will be used to hold individual students accountable for their own achievement. Fifth graders will be required to…

Reviews various methods of social skills assessment with children. Found that behavioral observations, sociometrics, and teacher ratings have been the most often used methods. Suggests school psychologists should utilize all three measures to secure a comprehensive picture of children's social behavior and to obtain some measure of social…

Urban and rural school psychologists were surveyed on role diversity, role emphasis, continuing education, and job satisfaction. Rural school psychologists have a more diverse role, spend less time in traditional assessment activities, and are more likely to engage in activities involving them at the systems and community levels. (Author)

Certain characteristics of schools make them adequate to the task of primary prevention of behavior disorders. Current preventative efforts center on two strategies: modification of school environments and competence building. Implications for school psychologists are discussed. (Author/MH)

Cooperative training programs were evaluated through content analysis of 74 role-played interviews of video-recorded investigations that focused on culturally relevant questioning skills. Results identified 119 questions and statements rated by professionals as helpful in interviewing children suspected of having been sexually abused. All…

Twelve articles assessing the progress of the National Association of School Psychologists over the past 20 years are presented. Topics covered include historical and future trends, training, accreditation, public policy, child advocacy, certification and practice standards, evolution of children's services, and interactions with other…

The special needs of young adults with concurrent mental health and substance abuse problems are discussed. This article presents federal initiatives and research findings, and describes state-of-the-art approaches to treatment and rehabilitation. Strategies for training mental health professionals to diagnose and treat dually disabled persons are…

Reports on a study of effects of critical reading and writing skills among 16 college psychology students. Finds that students receiving critical thinking instruction were better able to use argumentative language in term papers. Includes two tables of statistical data. (CFR)

A mail survey about the use of instruments in 9 assessment areas was answered by 389 school psychologists. Comparison with a similar survey 10 years earlier suggests no decline in assessment overall, although emphasis is switching away from intelligence testing, toward achievement testing, behavior rating, and adaptive measurements. (SLD)

Describes a collaborative honors project in psychology that allowed two students and two advisors to pursue a broad range of research issues. Discusses advantages and disadvantages of conducting such projects with undergraduates. Includes issues for student and faculty development such as stimulation of other joint research efforts, role models,…