Implications of the Regular Education Initiative Debate for School Psychologists.

The paper examines critical issues involved in the debate over the Regular Education Initiative (REI) to merge special and regular education, with emphasis on implications for school psychologists. The arguments of proponents and opponents of the REI are summarized and the lack of involvement by school psychologists is noted. The REI is seen to effect school psychologists by a possibly drastic reduction in the demand for professional psychological services in the schools, and by the denial of valuable and necessary psychological services to many special needs students. Specific issues that psychologists need to address are: (1) pupil identification and classification; (2) pupil placement; and (3) changing roles and responsibilities. School psychologists are urged to become more involved in the debate because their expertise is needed, because they have a professional responsibility to contribute, and because REI could have a direct impact on their future employment possibilities. They are urged to become involved at the professional/organizational level and at the local school level. Includes 33 references. (DB)