Students may have difficulty attending to tasks and completing their work for various reasons. These include specific developmental issues, mental health concerns, communication deficits, and academic or social skills deficits. Students also may lose interest because they have knowledge or skills that exceed those of their classmates, or they may be affected by any number of internal or environmental disruptions in the classroom. Thus, a teacher’s role in maintaining students’ attention and cultivating the ability to complete work in a class full of students is consistently challenging.

ABOUT THE AUTHORS

Cheryl Maykel, PhD, NCSP, is an associate professor in the counseling and school psychology programs at Rivier University. Her research interests lie mainly in the area of mind–body health and positive psychology interventions and the use of mindfulness and physical activity in schools.

Melissa A. Bray, PhD, NCSP, CCC-SLP, is a professor, licensed psychologist, certified school psychologist, licensed speech language pathologist, and director of the school psychology program within the Neag School of Education at the University of Connecticut. She is a fellow of the American Psychological Association and the American Psychological Society. Her research interests are in the area of interventions for communication disorders, mainly stuttering, classroom disruptive behavior, and physical health and wellness, especially asthma and cancer.

Lea A. Theodore, PhD, is a professor and licensed psychologist in the school psychology program at Adelphi University. She is a past president of APA’s Division 16 Executive Committee. Her research interests are in the area of interventions for academic work, communication disorders, classroom disruptive behavior, and physical health and wellness.

This NASP Laminated Guide is an updated version of a resource from Helping Handouts: Supporting Students at School and Home, an online digital publication featuring more than 80 handouts for educators and caregivers. To learn more about Helping Handouts, visit https://apps.nasponline.org/resources-and-publications/book-store.aspx. 

ISBN: 978-0932955-46-3

This 6-page, laminated quick-reference guide is must for any School Psychologist or educator. This guide includes information on:

• What to Consider When Selecting Interventions and Supports
• Recommendations
• Recommended Resources