Contractual school psychological services: Prevalence and practices

This study investigated the prevalence and practices of contract school psy chological services in public schools. A survey was sent to all 121 school districts in a southeastern state, with 111 surveys completed for a respons e rate of 92%. Results indicated that most school districts did not believe that contracting is cost effective. The primary service provided by contra ctual service providers was triennial reevaluations. The administrator most often charged with the hiring and supervision of contract providers was no t a school psychologist. The credential most often required of a contractin g psychologist was a State Board of Psychology license, with only a few req uiring documentation of relevant coursework or experience. The results of t his study indicated that the most pressing concern for the profession of sc hool psychology regarding contractual services is ensuring that contract se rvices are provided and monitored according to appropriate standards of pra ctice. (C) 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.