Introduction to Special Issue on the History of the Future of Proactive School Psychology: Transcending the Past, Excelling in the Present, and Transforming the Future

• Published in: School psychology 2020-11, Vol.35 (6), p.363-366
• Main Authors: Perfect, Michelle M., D'Amato, Rik Carl
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: American Psychological Association Divisions; Human; Practice; School Psychologists; School Psychology; Sciences; Social Justice; Training
• ISSN: 2578-4218; 2578-4226
• DOI: 10.1037/spq0000419

This Special Issue celebrates the 75th anniversary of the formation of the Division of School Psychology of the American Psychological Association. As part of this milestone celebration, we envisioned a field that could be changed by transcending the past, excelling in the present, and transforming the future. We identified a seminal article written by Conoley and Gutkin (1995) that advocated for the implementation of a systemic, prevention-oriented, ecological framework that would allow school psychology to realize its promise. Conoley, Powers, and Gutkin (2020) provided a synopsis of progress and stagnation in a new paper that served as the nexus from which invited authors were asked to respond, each representing a different aspect of school psychology practice, science, and training. In light of the division anniversary, authors described the historical context of their domain, reflected on the present, and shared recommendations for the future of school psychology. Collectively these contributions discussed school psychology's achievement to date, identify its shortfalls, and offer actionable suggestions for future school psychologists. Transformation is critical now more than ever in light of current health and world concerns and school psychology training and practice issues related to social justice and psychological and educational change. School psychologists are called to become proactive agents of change if we are to help heal our fractured and wounded world. Impact and Implications This Introduction to the Special Issue celebrating Division 16's (School Psychology) 75th anniversary aims to preview # articles and three Perspectives. These articles reflect upon influential historical events within the field of school psychology and critically analyze present practices to create future recommendations that transform the field. This Introduction highlights the transformative recommendations offered by these articles as they relate to D16 Governance, school psychology training, research, and practice.