School Psychology Practice Research Articles

NEUROPLASTICITY: CHANGING MINDS AND CHANGING BRAINS

As a school psychologist I have found that many of the students, parents, and educators that I work with believe that intelligence is a “fixed” trait. Despite popular belief, however, as we learn more about the structure and function of the brain it is increasingly clear that the brain changes as we learn from, and adapt to, environmental demands. These changes in the structure and function of the brain in turn produce changes in behavior, and I use behavior to refer to any observable action including the demonstration of cognitive and academic skills. In the following article I discuss the topic of neuroplasticity citing the work Mark Rosenwieg and Michael Merzenich, two of the foremost researchers on the topic. Further, I discuss some implications of neuroplasticity on the practice of school psychology.

Development and Initial Examination of the School Psychology Multicultural Competence Scale

This study reports on the initial development and examination of the School Psychology Multicultural Competence Scale (SPMCS), a 45-item self-report measure for evaluating school psychologists’ multicultural competence in the primary domains of school psychology practice (i.e., assessment, consultation, intervention). A sample of 312 school psychology graduate students was recruited by outreach to school psychology training programs and email listservs to complete the SPMCS and a questionnaire about previous multicultural/diversity coursework and practicum with culturally and linguistically diverse clients. The results from principal axis factoring indicated that 28 of the 45 SPMCS items contributed to a four-factor solution with subscales identified as cultural skills, cultural knowledge, cultural appreciation, and cultural awareness. Internal consistency for each subscale was moderate to high. Overall, completion of multicultural/diversity courses and completion of practicum with culturally and linguistically diverse clients were associated with higher self-reported scores of multicultural competence. The SPMCS can potentially be used as one component to evaluate the extent to which training programs develop the multicultural competence of their trainees. Additionally, these findings provide additional insight into the conceptualization of multicultural competence.

Assessing adolescents' positive psychological functioning at school: Development and validation of the Student Subjective Wellbeing Questionnaire.

This study reports on the initial development and validation of the Student Subjective Wellbeing Questionnaire (SSWQ) with a sample of 1,002 students in Grades 6-8. The SSWQ is a 16-item self-report instrument for assessing youths' subjective wellbeing at school, which is operationalized via 4 subscales measuring school connectedness, academic efficacy, joy of learning, and educational purpose. The conceptualization and development of the SSWQ's subscales and items are described, and results from a series of preliminary psychometric analyses are reported. Findings indicated that the SSWQ was characterized by 4 conceptually sound latent factors, that these 4 first-order factors were robust indicators of a single second-order factor (i.e., student subjective wellbeing), that all subscales and the composite scale demonstrated at least adequate construct reliability and internal consistency, and that the estimated latent-means for all first-order and second-order factors were invariant across gender. Moreover, results from bivariate correlations and a latent-variable path analysis provided evidence in support of the construct validity of the SSWQ's scales and latent factors, showing strong associations with other student wellbeing indicators (i.e., school prosociality and academic perseverance), while findings from binary logistic regressions demonstrated that overall student subjective wellbeing levels, based on composite scores from the SSWQ, were mildly to-strongly associated with a variety of self-endorsed risk factors (e.g., aggression and self-harm) and protective factors (e.g., social support and physical exercise). Implications for theory, research, and the practice of school psychology are discussed.

State learning disability eligibility criteria: A comprehensive review.

For many decades, discussions regarding the definition and identification of learning disabilities have been contentious; one result is the varied practices across states and school districts. This study reviewed learning disability (LD) regulations and guidelines from the 50 United States and the District of Columbia that were employed during 2013. Two authors independently coded components of all LD regulations and guidelines. Results showed considerable variability in the state policies and practices governing LD identification. Only 67% of states allow for use of the ability-achievement discrepancy approach, and 20% of states explicitly prohibit its use. Approximately 16% of states require the sole use of response to intervention (RtI) models in LD identification, and there is considerable variability in the guidance states provide regarding how to implement RtI models to identify LD. Finally, about half of states do not allow use of "pattern of strengths and weaknesses" (PSW) models, and most states allowing these models provide little information regarding ideal identification practices. These results can inform school psychology practice, training, and related research.

School Psychologists and the Assessment of Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Students

In recent years, school psychologists have increasingly recognized the importance of using valid and reliable methods to assess culturally and linguistically diverse (CLD) students for special education eligibility. However, little is known about their assessment practices or preparation in this area. To address these questions, a Web-based survey was developed and sent to practicing school psychologists. This article presents the survey results (n = 140) and implications for the effective assessment of CLD children and adolescents. Participants reported conducting comprehensive assessments to determine eligibility for special education among CLD students. Over half of the respondents reported using interpreters to assist with assessment; however, only a small percentage felt their interpreters were “well” or “very well” trained. The majority of the participants reportedly received training on assessing CLD students at the graduate school level; a practice that holds promise for the increased preparation of future practitioners. The results also highlight a continued need for training in selecting appropriate assessment instruments. Recommendations for graduate trainers and practicing school psychologists are provided.

Job Satisfaction Among Practicing School Psychologists: the Impact of SLD Identification

Research has documented high levels of job satisfaction among school psychologists. Given that school psychologists spend much of their time in special education decision making and identifying students with specific learning disabilities (SLDs), it is important to understand how assessment practices relate to job satisfaction. This study surveyed 471 practicing school psychologists to understand how SLD identification methods impact job satisfaction. Results indicated (a) approximately 60 % of participants were satisfied with their SLD assessment practices, (b) participants were least satisfied with their school guidelines regarding assessment, (c) participants were most satisfied working with others for SLD assessment, (d) different SLD identification methods were associated with varying levels of job satisfaction, and (e) greater alignment between preferred and actual SLD identification practices was associated with higher levels of job satisfaction related to assessment. Implications for future or practicing school psychologists are discussed. Future research should focus on empirically investigating outcomes associated with job satisfaction, such as turnover rates.

The 2002 Conference on the Future of School Psychology: Implications for Consultation, Intervention, and Prevention Services

In November 2002, the multisite Conference on the Future of School Psychology was sponsored by major professional associations of school psychologists. Conference goals included achieving consensus on current and future demands for school, conceptualizing the practice of school psychology in the face of diminishing numbers and increasing demand for services, and developing an agenda to use school psychology resources to maximize the benefits to the children and schools. Consultation, intervention, and prevention were major themes in all conference activities. The present article provides an overview of the conference and a summary of issues and outcomes from the conference that relate to educational and psychological consultation services.

Assessing teachers' positive psychological functioning at work: Development and validation of the Teacher Subjective Wellbeing Questionnaire.

This study reports on the initial development and validation of the Teacher Subjective Wellbeing Questionnaire (TSWQ) with 2 samples of educators-a general sample of 185 elementary and middle school teachers, and a target sample of 21 elementary school teachers experiencing classroom management challenges. The TSWQ is an 8-item self-report instrument for assessing teachers' subjective wellbeing, which is operationalized via subscales measuring school connectedness and teaching efficacy. The conceptualization and development processes underlying the TSWQ are described, and results from a series of preliminary psychometric and exploratory analyses are reported to establish initial construct validity. Findings indicated that the TSWQ was characterized by 2 conceptually sound latent factors, that both subscales and the composite scale demonstrated strong internal consistency, and that all scales demonstrated convergent validity with self-reported school supports and divergent validity with self-reported stress and emotional burnout. Furthermore, results indicated that TSWQ scores did not differ according to teachers' school level (i.e., elementary vs. middle), but that they did differ according to unique school environment (e.g., 1 middle school vs. another middle school) and teacher stressors (i.e., general teachers vs. teachers experiencing classroom management challenges). Results also indicated that, for teachers experiencing classroom challenges, the TSWQ had strong short-term predictive validity for psychological distress, accounting for approximately half of the variance in teacher stress and emotional burnout. Implications for theory, research, and the practice of school psychology are discussed.

The relationship between student health and academic performance: Implications for school psychologists

Children who are unhealthy are at higher risk for school problems than students who are free from medical problems. Students with poor health have a higher probability of school failure, grade retention, and dropout. The relationship between student health and academic success is complex. Common manageable factors of student health are nutrition, maintaining healthy weight, and physical fitness. Through a comprehensive literature review the relationships among school achievement and nutrition, maintaining healthy weight, and physical fitness are examined. Furthermore, the efficacy of educational programs to improve nutrition, maintain healthy weight, and increase physical fitness is evaluated. The complexity of the relationship among variables is presented and areas for future research and practice for school psychologists are described.

Motives emanating from personality associated with achievement in a Finnish senior high school: Physical activity, curiosity, and family motives

Numerous studies indicate that intrinsic motivation predicts academic achievement. However, relatively few have examined various subtypes of intrinsic motivation that predict overall achievement, such as motivation for exercise and physical activity. Based upon the 16 basic desires theory of personality, the current study examined the motives of 178 senior high school (gymnasium) students (mean age = 17.6, range = 16–20) from Finland, using the Reiss School Motivation Profile. In structural equation models that controlled for gender and age, intellectual curiosity was positively associated with achievement, whereas the family motive was negatively associated with achievement. Boys had a higher intellectual curiosity and a lower family motive than girls. The physical activity motive had a significant negative interaction with intellectual curiosity, such that youth with higher intellectual curiosity had the strongest achievement when their physical activity motive was lower. This suggests that adolescents with a strong desire for exercise may have some difficulty in selective high schools that require rigorous study and long hours of sitting, even when they enjoy learning. Implications for motivational theory, education research, physical education for promoting fitness, and school psychology practice are discussed.

Temperament Styles of Children in Three Sub-Saharan African Countries

This cross-national research examined temperament style preferences among children in three sub-Saharan African countries (i.e., Nigeria, South Africa, and Zimbabwe) and possible differences between them on four bipolar temperament styles: extroverted–introverted, practical–imaginative, thinking–feeling, and organized–flexible. Children in these three countries overwhelmingly favor practical to imaginative styles as well as organized to flexible styles. They also generally favor feeling to thinking styles. Children’s preferences for extroverted and introverted styles are more balanced. Differences between countries and by gender are discussed. Implications for school psychology practice as well as viewing these four bipolar qualities as etic traits also are discussed.

School Psychologists’ Attitudes Toward Transgender Students

The purpose of this study was to gain a better understanding of the current attitudes and beliefs held by practicing school psychologists toward individuals who identify as transgender. A review of literature revealed a lack of information about the needs of transgender students in schools. The authors of this study created a ten-question survey that was distributed to practicing school psychologists across the United States. The authors found that school psychologists with more experience working with transgender students are more comfortable addressing the needs of those students; that persons who are more confident in their ability to work with transgender students have more positive attitudes toward this population; and that the majority of school psychologists who participated in this study were willing or more than willing to work with transgender students. The implications of these results are discussed in relation to school psychology graduate education and the needs for future research.

Addressing Special Education Inequity Through Systemic Change: Contributions of Ecologically Based Organizational Consultation

Since the inception of special education, scholars and practitioners have been concerned about the disproportionate representation of students from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds among students identified with disabilities. Professional efforts to address this disproportionality have encompassed a range of targets, but scholars increasingly view disproportionality as a complex, multiply-determined problem that requires systemic change to ameliorate disparities. In this article, we describe a framework for systemic change to foster equity in special education identification and placement. We discuss the use of ecologically oriented organizational consultation as a means of facilitating systemic change, emphasizing the role of stakeholders, and the implications for school psychology practice and training.

Children's Rights and School Psychology: A Multiple-Journal Series

In 1989 the United Nations held its Convention on the Rights of the Child. The countries that participated in the Convention agreed, among many other points, that (a) children will be protected against discrimination; (b) institutions charged with the care of children will comply with established standards of care; (c) the survival and development of children will be ensured; (d) children will be provided appropriate healthcare services; (e) the rights of children with mental or physical disabilities will be protected while promoting their self-reliance; and (f) children's rights to play, rest, leisure time, and recreational activities will be protected (Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, 1990). The Convention passed 54 articles that described various protections for children, most of which were relevant to school psychology. The first few articles of the Convention explicitly state that the best interests of children should be a primary consideration in all government institutions and that the actions of the government should enhance children's well-being. The two primary outcomes of school psychology are increased competence of the students we serve and enhanced capacity of systems to address the needs of children and youth (Ysseldyke et al., 2006). Thus, according to the articles of the Convention, school psychologists are the front-line advocates for and protectors of the basic rights of children. The National Association of School Psychologists (NASP, 2012) recently passed a position statement reaffirming the articles of the Convention as the basic framework for children's rights and the association's commitment to it. The position statement explicitly outlined the responsibilities of school psychologists for advancing the rights of children and their roles in doing so. Given NASP's commitment to children's rights and the primary role that school psychologists play in protecting them, School Psychology Review is honored to participate in an historic multijournal series marking the 25th anniversary of the Convention. Mcloughlin and Hart (2014) provided an introduction to the multijournal series, which was a partnership with the Journal of School Psychology, Psychology in the Schools, School Psychology International, and School Psychology Quarterly. The current issue concludes the multijournal series with an article by Fiorvanti and Brassard (2014) in which they argue that training and practice in school psychology should be organized around a child rights framework, summarize the research supporting the potential framework, and provide relevant resources for practitioners. …

English

The role of school psychologists has been debated and contested nationally and internationally for many decades, with an emphasis on the need for a paradigm shift in professional roles. Psychologists may be employed in the private sector, in nongovernmental organisations, in higher education institutions, and by the state. Those employed by the state within the Department of Basic Education are referred to as school psychologists, and are tasked with providing psychological services to public schools. In the Western Cape, the context of this study, school psychologists are assigned to circuit teams, where they are expected to work collaboratively with other professionals to provide support to schools. This paper is focused on school psychologists’ perceptions of the challenges that emerge when working with other sectors to facilitate school development. Eight focus group discussions were conducted with 47 school psychologists. The data collected resulted in the generation of five categories of challenges facing school psychologists when they collaborate with other sectors to facilitate school development. These were: diverse discourses and worldviews; roles and boundaries; personal and interpersonal factors; training needs; and organisational challenges. This research contributes towards the deepening of school psychology practice, and to providing important insights towards the enhancement of intersectoral collaboration and school development as aspects of the provision of support to schools in South Africa. Key words : collaboration; educational psychologists; inter-professional; intersectoral collaboration; school development; school psychologists; school psychology

Chinese teachers’ perceptions of the roles and functions of school psychological service providers in Beijing

This study used a semi-structured interview with 94 teachers from 92 elementary and secondary schools in Beijing, China, to explore their perceptions of the roles, training, and challenges of school psychological service providers (SPs) as well as teachers’ satisfaction with the services provided by SPs. Results indicated that the SP to student ratio was 1:1360. Only 32 (34.8%) schools had SPs who were certified as mental health counselors or who had degrees in psychology, and 18 (19.6%) schools did not have SPs. Based on teacher report, SPs’ roles mainly focused on services for students (teaching mental health classes, counseling, consultation), with a strong emphasis on prevention and early intervention. About half of the teachers were satisfied with SPs’ work, but others had no contact with SPs or were dissatisfied with their work partially due to SPs’ lack of training and skills. The results suggest a severe shortage of training for SPs in Beijing, China. Other challenges for SPs include low status, lack of training and skills, and work-related stress. The results provide valuable information about school psychology practice in Beijing, China, and important implications for both research and policy making in school psychology in China and other Asian countries.

CHILD MALTREATMENT IDENTIFICATION AND REPORTING BEHAVIOR OF SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGISTS

A majority of substantiated maltreatment reports are made by educators and thus, teacher knowledge of child maltreatment reporting mandates and reporting behavior has been a focus of research. The knowledge and behavior of school psychologists, however, has not received similar attention. This study investigated the child maltreatment reporting behavior and knowledge of school psychologists. Practicing school psychologists (N = 274) responded to scenarios from the Crenshaw Abuse Reporting Survey—Form S (CARS‐S) that required respondents to recognize reportable child maltreatment and answer factual questions regarding the reporting mandate. A significant correlation was found between school psychologists’ accuracy in deciding whether to report and their overall knowledge of the reporting mandate. Results highlight the knowledge and behavior of school psychologists working in varied settings when presented with cases focused on differing types of maltreatment issues. Practical implications for school psychology practice and training are discussed.

Student and Teacher Ratings of Academic Competence: An Examination of Cross-Informant Agreement

Two studies were conducted with samples of middle and high school teachers and students to examine cross-informant agreement on the Academic Competence Evaluation Scales. Cross-informant agreement was examined using Pearson correlations and conditional probability indices. Results of Study 1 (N = 65) and Study 2 (N = 66) indicated that teacher and student ratings shared more variance than typically reported in prior cross-informant studies of problem or social behavior. Although teacher and student ratings shared strong correlations, there was significant disagreement when scores were dichotomized for decision making. Implications of the results for school psychology practice and future research are discussed.

School Psychology Practice and Job Satisfaction

School Psychology Practice and Job Satisfaction

Contemporary School Psychology (CSP) Is Committed to Improving the Practice of School Psychologists Working with Bilingual and Bicultural Youth

Contemporary School Psychology (CSP) Is Committed to Improving the Practice of School Psychologists Working with Bilingual and Bicultural Youth