The odd couple: Effective public schools/mental health joint programming to provide educational/therapeutic services to emotionally disturbed students and their families

“The Odd Couple…” is a narrative presentation of the successful joint programming efforts of a public school system and community centers for mental health in providing comprehensive educational services to emotionally disturbed students. Problems and resolutions in regard to control, coordination, and philosophy issues are discussed. This article describes a simple yet effective model for cost effective and successful joint programs between non-administratively related agencies.     

Distance Learning as a Tool for Poverty Reduction and Economic Development: A Focus on China and Mexico

This paper uses case studies to focus on distance learning in developing countries as an enabler for economic development and poverty reduction. To provide perspective, we first review the history of telecottages, local technology-equipped facilities to foster community-based learning, which have evolved into “telecenters” or “Community Learning Centers” (CLCs). Second, we describe extensive site visits to CLCs in impoverished portions of China and Mexico, the centers operated by premier universities in each respective country. These CLCs constitute the core of new emerging systems of distance education, and their newness poses challenges and opportunities, which are discussed. Finally, we offer 12 points to develop further the concept and reality of distance learning in support of economic development.     

Specialist-level preparation in school violence and youth gang intervention

Surveys regarding the level and scope of training provided in both traditional child and youth issues and that of school violence and youth gang prevention were sent to 213 school psychology training programs. Ninety specialist-level programs were included in the final study. Results indicated the majority of programs provided substantial intervention training for more traditional behavioral concerns (e.g., ADHD, conduct problems). Training in school violence prevention and, in particular, youth gang prevention/intervention, were lower priorities for training. The hypothesis was not supported that programs located in or near metropolitan areas are more likely to offer training in school violence and gang interventions. These results are discussed within the context of practitioner preparation for violence intervention. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.