Meeting the Needs of Children and Families: Opportunities and Challenges for School Psychology Training Programs

Abstract

After 30 years of criticisms and concerns regarding both role limitations of school psychologists and the effectiveness of services for children with special needs, significant changes confront our field. Graduate training programs face challenges, as well as opportunities, in the fulfillment of their responsibilities to prepare school psychologists for entry into professional practice. This article examines the nature and origins of the potential changes facing school psychology and discusses the adequacy of current training programs. The future implications of this situation for training programs are discussed.

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Notes on contributors

Michael J. Curtis

Michael J. Curtis, PhD, is Professor and Director of School Psychology at the University of Cincinnati. His research interests include consultation, organizational change and professional practices in the training of school psychologists.

George M. Batsche

George M. Batsche, PhD, is Associate Professor in the School Psychology Program at the University of South Florida. His research interests include social skills interventions, applications of consultation to linking assessment with intervention and professional practices in credentialing.