Implementation of the IDEA by school psychologists: An exploratory study using the theory of street-level bureaucracy

Based on the theory of Street-Level Bureaucracy (SLB), this exploratory stu dy examines implementation of the Individuals with Disabilities Education A ct (IDEA) hy school psychologists (20 U.S.C., Sec. 40, 1990). Participants were six school psychologists and their supervisors from two different scho ol districts. Data were collected through semistructured interviews and cas e presentations. Participants' responses were coded and analyzed to determi ne patterns and themes present in the interview. The results revealed that when school psychologists experience conflict in their work, they develop c oping strategies that interact with their professional behavior and the imp lementation of IDEA. Coping strategies, such as rationing services, routini zing practices, adjusting expectations of the role of a school psychologist from the ideal to the actual, and changing the law to fit the circumstance s were all used. Although many of the predictions of SLB were confirmed sch ool psychologists were also found to rise above job demands and provide nee ded services to children and their parents.