The status of school psychology: Implications of a major personnel shortage

Abstract

The findings of earlier studies are reviewed and results of analyses of recent data are reported in presenting an overview of the current and possible future status of school psychology in the United States. Recognizing that legislation could have major, but as yet unclear, implications for the field, projections suggest that school psychology is likely to face a severe personnel shortage over the next 10 years. Projections also indicate that serious, although less severe, shortages are likely to continue through at least 2020. Shortages are predicted to vary markedly by geographical region of the country and type of school setting. Potential implications of the shortage are examined for the public schools.

Personnel Needs in School Psychology: A 10-Year Follow-Up Study on Predicted Personnel Shortages

“…A broad consensus emerged from the Futures Conference that the present and worsening personnel shortage posed a serious challenge to not only the delivery of effective school psychological services in the near‐term, but to the future health and vitality of the field as well. Expanding on the keynote address at the Futures Conference, Curtis, Hunley, and Grier () used a review of data resulting from a number of studies over time, as well as analyses of data generated through the 1999–2000 National Membership Study by the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP), to develop projections suggesting that school psychology would face a severe personnel shortage by 2010, continuing with decreasing severity through at least 2020. In another publication, they predicted that 4 of 10 school psychologists employed in 2000 would retire by 2010, more than half by 2015 and 2 of 3 by 2020 (Curtis, Grier, & Hunley, ).…”

Use of Treatment and Counseling Services and Mind‐Body Techniques by Students With Emotional and Behavioral Difficulties

“…A recent study revealed that school psychologists devoted about two thirds of their time to identifying and evaluating mental health conditions and special education‐related activities . Additionally, a considerable portion of their time was spent on professional assessments, report writing, and multidisciplinary team meetings . Despite their preference for providing direct delivery of intervention services, including counseling, they were unable to do so .…”

School psychology's significant discrepancy: Historical perspectives on personnel shortages

“…The shortage took on national prominence (DeAngelis, 2000) and became a major theme of the 2002 Future of School Psychology Conference (Curtis, 2002;Curtis et al, 2004). By comparison, the 1980 Spring Hill and 1981 Olympia Conferences stressed identity and role expansion, with little concern for personnel shortages.…”