School Psychologists’ Role Concerning Children With Chronic Illnesses in Schools

Abstract

The authors examined the role of school psychologists in working with children with chronic illnesses in the schools. A total of 300 practicing school psychologists in public schools, drawn from the National Association of School Psychologists membership directory, completed a standard mail survey. The survey solicited information on (a) graduate program and workplace training received, (b) professional experience in the schools, and (c) future training needs of school psychologists to work effectively with students with chronic illnesses. In general, school psychologists in the public schools, independent of level of education, feel undertrained, and are interested in receiving more training specifically devoted to pediatric chronic illness.

KEYWORDS:

• chronic illness
• pediatrics
• school psychologists training