Issues in the Preservice Preparation of School Psychologists for Rural Settings

Abstract

Characteristics of rural communities are briefly discussed as they relate to the provision of psychological services to children in rural school settings. The value of generalist preparation accomplished through the use of the scientist-practitioner model is stressed. This is followed by a discussion of integration of research with applied practicum experiences. Other issues addressed include: the community psychology perspective, the role of indirect services, burnout, and whether or not rural school psychology should be considered a subspecialty.