Consultation in the Schools: The Relationship Between Preservice Training, Perception of Consultative Skills, and Actual Time Spent in Consultation

Consultation in the schools was investigated through a mail survey of 1,020 members of the National Association of School Psychologists. The return rate was 33%. Four factors were investigated: preservice training, current practices, psychologists' perceptions of their own consultative skills, and real and ideal levels of involvement in consultation. A significant discrepancy between the “actual” amount of time and the “preferred” amount of time respondents spend in consultation was found. Results indicate the actual amount of time school psychology practitioners spend in consultation is not related to demographic variables, training variables, or perception of consultative skill.