MSPA—Online Articles
MSPA is pleased to share some ideas, which may be helpful to parents and educators about issues that affect school-aged children. This information is designed to be informative but is not intended as recommendations that would apply to any given child. Whenever parents or teachers have concerns about any given child, they may want to consider consulting with a school psychologist in their local district. The goal of providing articles is to introduce topics, to provide some background information and to stimulate thinking.
The PDF files of articles by MSPA members are for your personal, noncommercial use only. They may not be published, or transferred in any form or by any means except with the prior written permission of MSPA. Always credit the author of articles and MSPA.
Dialogic Reading for Parents and their Young Children
Talking with children as parents read to them has been found to make a real difference in children’s preparation for school. This article is quick lesson for parents of young children to make a huge difference in their children’s language, love of books and stories, and readiness for more formal schooling.Download »
Helping Children Deal with Terrorism
Exposure to violence of any kind can make children and adolescents feel frightened and vulnerable. It is important that adults understand the reactions of children of different ages when exposed to violence and the signs that they need help. All adults, parents and teacher in particular can provide support for children. Some of many ways to provide support are described in this article.Download »
Bullying and Teasing Among School Aged Children
Bullying is a complex behavior that results when there is an imbalance of power between two or more individuals. This article is a basic introduction to bullying behavior alerting us to when it most frequently occurs, who are the participants, and what are the results if nothing is done to stop it. Finally, some ways in which experts suggest that we address bullying are addressed.Download »
Full-Day Kindergarten
National and statewide movements are increasingly considering full day kindergarten. As parents and schools struggle with the pros and cons of full day kindergarten, this article reviews some of the data to help readers consider the question.Download »
Retention
Retention in grade is an issue that a few families and schools have to consider as the school year comes to a close yearly. It continues to be a controversial decision. This article addresses the issue and reviews literature on the effects of retention. Importantly, it includes alternatives to retention for readers to consider.Download »
Self Concept
We often hear statements indicating that a child has a strong or weak self- concept as if self- concept were a unitary or simple concept. Self- concept is actually quite complex. The way in which self-esteem develops is considered in this article along with the many aspects of self-concept and the role of families in strengthening a child’s self-concept.Download »
Early Childhood Screening
When children first prepare to begin their school careers, they typically undergo a screening. This brief article is designed to make the process a little easier for parents.Download »
When To Worry About Worrying
Anxiety and worry is certainly normal although for a small group of children it can cause undue stress. This article will help parents know when they need to be concerned and some strategies to try when children need assistance.Download »
Homework: Parent Teacher Student Collaboration
Homework completion can become a source of tension between parents and students. Inadequate attention to homework can result in depressed grades and decreased skills. This article may help parents work with schools to address homework issues that may occur.Download »
Identification and Intervention of Reading Disabilities
This article describes a school district's effort to improve the reading services for young children. It includes some suggestions for determining whether or not a child may need more intensive intervention. It may be helpful to school teams who are planning changes in their own districts. Download »
A Guide to Your Child’s Psychological Evaluation
This guide may be helpful to parents who ask for an evaluation of their child. It describes the possible content of a psychological evaluation. School psychologists may want to share it with parents before an evaluation so that they can plan together and parents’ questions can be answered.Download »
The information contained on this website is provided to the Massachusetts School Psychologists Association (MSPA) by members. MSPA does not endorse, approve or certify such information, nor does it guarantee the accuracy, completeness, efficacy, timeliness, or correct sequencing of such information. Use of such information is voluntary and reliance on it should only be undertaken after an independent review of its accuracy, completeness, efficacy, and timeliness. Reference herein to any specific commercial product, process or service by trade name, trademark, service mark, manufacturer, or otherwise does not constitute or imply endorsement, recommendation or favoring by MSPA.
