The present study applied a qualitative case study methodology to the educational challenges of three students from a refugee background, in order to identify an appropriate psychological assessment process with which to evaluate their difficulties. Three students who had arrived from Iraq 1-2 years ago (one male and two females; aged 13 and 14…

Assessment is fundamental to school psychology, but its purpose has shifted from making predictions about children to improving outcomes for children. This commentary on the special issue focuses on screening and progress-monitoring decisions that can be used to solve student problems. We outline several psychometric and practical issues that…

Investigated perceptions by elementary school teachers (N=28) of the usefulness and ease of implementation of traditional recommendations that attribute the cause of referral problems to the individual student's characteristics or environmental conditions, as compared to recommendations that address a student's problem with varying degrees of…

Discusses expanded role for psychologists and school psychologists ranging from increased knowledge about psychopharmacology to collaborative practice with prescribing physician to obtaining limited independent prescription privileges. Explores legal issues associated with such role expansion: credential concerns, malpractice liability, and record…

Explored whether classroom teachers' (n=40) perceptions of difficult-to-teach (DTT) students are racially biased. Subjects each nominated DTT student most likely to be referred for psychological evaluation and placement in special education. One-half DTT students were white, one-half were black. Results indicated black teachers and white teachers…

This article presents a summary of the concerns and the demographic data collected from clients at the Student Counselling Service (SCS) at the University of Cape Town (UCT), South Africa, during the period of March 2001 to April 2003. First-time presenting clients who are enrolled students, were asked to ill out an anonymous questionnaire, of…

This article outlines a model system for the use of supportive teachers working with students who have social, academic, and other problems that hamper their performance in the school environment. (JD)

The Portland Problem Behavior Checklist (PPBC) is defined for aiding school personnel in identifying problem behaviors of students. Test reliability and validity data are reported. The PPBC offers a quick format useful for clinical referrals, assessment, and initial evaluation. (Author)

To assess the mental abilities of mentally retarded children, 100 tests were tried out on more than 350 German Ss and the TBGB ("Test-batterie fur geistig behinderte Kinder"Test battery for mentally retarded children") was developed. (SW)

Using actual student referral records, researchers investigated: (1) why teachers referred students for psychoeducational evaluation; (2) causes to which they attributed students' difficulties; and (3) whether causes were related to reasons for referral. Teachers attributed 97 percent of the students' difficulties to factors outside the school.…

Reviewed 39 empirical studies in which direct observational methods were used to assess children in whom attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) had been diagnosed. Found that classroom studies distinguished ADHD children from comparison groups better than laboratory studies. Behaviors that most consistently distinguished ADHD children…

All programs that are involved in training professionals have some experience with impaired trainees. A study was conducted to examine how different American Psychological Association (APA) approved pre-doctoral internship and graduate programs in psychology handle trainee difficulty and impairment. A 62-item questionnaire was completed by…

The role of school psychologists and counselors in assessment is well established. With the current emphasis on collaboration in schools and the use of a pupil services model to deliver services, it is important to examine ways in which school psychologists and counselors can work together for assessment purposes. School psychologists' involvement…

Chapter 1 of this document defines school phobia as an exaggerated and irrational fear of attending school. In this chapter, school phobia is distinguished from truancy, the incidence and consequences of school phobia are discussed, characteristics of school phobia are described, and types of school phobia are identified. The chapter concludes…

Basic features and methodological requirements of a cognitive-behavioral perspective on childhood anxieties and phobias and their social and academic implications are discussed. Topics addressed include disorder classification, multimethod problem solving, data collection treatment techniques, and the role of teachers. (TJH)