PSYCHOLOGY ROLE IN STATEWIDE EDUCATION REFORM - KENTUCKY AS AN EXAMPLE

Education reform initiatives are being widely debated at national, sta re, and local levels. In response to both legislative initiatives and public opinion, our nation's schools are trying to change from old pat terns of operation, which for many students have proven unsuccessful, to emerging paradigms that promote learning and human development in i ntegrated school-community environments. Professionals concerned with the development of emerging educational paradigms are challenged to re consider their roles in light of research findings and increased deman ds for accountability. In this article, new opportunities for psycholo gists to work with children and youth are highlighted. Particular focu s is placed on psychologists engaged in education reform efforts in Ke ntucky: which passed sweeping statewide education reform legislation i n 1990 (Kentucky Education Reform Act 1990). Consideration is given to emerging models for psychological service delivery, and implications for psychologists trained in various specialties to contribute to nati onal school reform efforts are discussed.