Clinical diagnosis is not a typical school psychologist activity. However, changes to the "Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders" (DSM), the framework for diagnosis put forth by the American Psychiatric Association (APA), are important to consider. First published in 1952, major revisions are being proposed for this new edition…

Specific learning disability (SLD), although moderately declining in recent years, continues to be the largest of the eligibility classifications under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA; NCES, 2012). The recognition of response to intervention (RTI) in the 2004 amendments of the IDEA as an approach for identifying students with…

The Association on Higher Education and Disability (AHEAD) recently developed a conceptual framework that substantially revises its guidance for disability documentation for accommodations in higher education settings. This new document, "Supporting Accommodation Requests: Guidance on Documentation Practices," was written in response to the…

Faculty shortage is a major concern for the field of school psychology in the United States. Graduate students are not entering the field at a rate representative of the current need (Clopton & Haselhuhn, 2009). The reasons for this are multifaceted, but some studies have pointed to perceived high levels of job stress, perceived inadequate…

Over the past decade, school psychologists' role in facilitating the transition from high school to college for students with disabilities has become increasingly complex. Practitioners are faced with the difficult task of navigating the conspicuous disconnect between disability eligibility criteria at the secondary and postsecondary levels…

The authors of this article were brought together by a common goal: enhancing consultation skills during internship year. As the concluding experience of preservice training, the school psychology internship provides an opportunity for trainees to move from novice levels of skill awareness and limited application toward more competent practice.…

According to recent literature, the field of school psychology is facing a major shortage of trainers at present and in the near future. Although this is not a new issue facing the field, faculty retirements are increasing, and fewer doctoral candidates in school psychology are choosing an academic path for their careers, resulting in many faculty…

School psychologists make a difference in the lives of children by supporting their academic and social-emotional needs. However, psychologists are often so busy with work and isolated in their schools that they fail to recognize the expertise of their colleagues and how collaboration can strengthen their outcomes. By nurturing longstanding…

This article spotlights minority students in school psychology training programs. Three students from underrepresented backgrounds were asked to reflect on what aspects of their program made them feel welcome and supported. In their discussions, they took the task a step further and furnished ideas about ways in which school psychology training…

The author sincerely appreciates the recognition of National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) and his colleagues on being permitted to give the 2009 Legends in School Psychology address. He starts by acknowledging that his accomplishments are really the accomplishments of many. Throughout his career, the author has had the opportunity to…

Building upon a successful prior initial trip to Vietnam in January 2008, students and faculty from St. John's University (STJ) School Psychology program returned to work with the faculty from Hanoi National University of Education (HNUE) in developing the profession of school psychology in that country. The purpose of this trip was twofold: (1)…

Tying a yellow ribbon around the tree in one's front yard or placing a magnet on one's car is more than just a show of support. It is a promise to American military around the world that one is ready and able to support them in their time of need just as they have supported the country. Educators, including school psychologists, are especially…