Although there is no one theoretical orientation that can provide an all-encompassing, empirically valid approach to providing school psychological services, the research offered from a behavioral orientation provides perhaps the largest single source of research substantiating all aspects of service delivery, assessment, intervention, and consultation.

The faculty at Lehigh have chosen this approach as the training orientation for the School Psychology program. While students are exposed to other theoretical approaches to conceptualizing academic and behavior problems of children and adolescents, the primary orientation of the majority of coursework and faculty is of a behavioral nature. It is important to note, however, that the range of behavioral orientation within the program is quite varied, including those who are applied behavior analytic and those who are more cognitive-behavioral in their orientation. This offers the student a wide exposure to contemporary behavioral approaches in assessment and intervention.

In addition to approaching consultation, assessment, and intervention from a behavioral framework, the program also emphasizes the environmental influences of family, community, and culture in the problem-solving process. Although the program focuses on the school as the point of intervention, school psychologists must have sufficient understanding of how these environmental variables within which students live impact their difficulties. Back ...