Book Review: Introduction to school psychology: Controversies and current practice, by Burns, M. K

Abstract

The First Edition of the Introduction to School Psychology: Controversies and Current Practice offers a comprehensive and concise overview of legislations, theories, and controversies that are core to the practice of school psychology in the United States. The book consists of five sections on Current Practice, Professional Associations, Theoretical Foundations, Controversies That Shape Practice, and Current Context and the Future of the Field respectively, written by expert practitioners and researchers in the field of school psychology, and edited by Dr. Matthew K. Burns. The book begins with an overview of the fundamentals of the field and then moves onto issues that will continue to determine and influence service delivery. For graduate students in school psychology progress through their training, this book is useful in guiding learning. For current school psychologists or researchers, the balanced and research-based writing of the book could help define future work and collaborations. The general theme of research and practice being intertwined in the field of school psychology is evident in each chapter and section of the book. The detailing of considerations based on theoretical foundations, medical knowledge, data-based decisionmaking and the interdisciplinary nature of the field highlights the importance of knowledge in all these areas to ensure comprehensive service delivery as a practitioner. The knowledge gaps highlighted in the book also emphasizes the need for more applicable research for the field to move forward. In sum, the Introduction to School Psychology: Controversies and Current Practice is an effective in encapsulating the field and directing future work for both clinicians and researchers.