Teachers' Preferences and Perceptions of the Psychological Report: A Systematic Review

This review summarizes primary studies on teachers' preferences and perceptions of the psychological report. A systematic search identified 19 studies meeting the inclusion criteria. These studies were evaluated in terms of (a) psychological report section focus, (b) methodology, (c) research results, (d) discussion, and (e) recommendations. Across the 19 studies, 1,309 general and special education teachers indicated and rated their preferences and perceptions of the psychological report. In terms of the entire psychological report and especially the report recommendations, teachers preferred longer, descriptive, and more detailed reports. Teachers preferred reports that provided enough detail to aid in individualized education planning and recommendation and intervention implementation. Teachers also preferred reports written in integrated theme-based formats as opposed to test-by-test formats. Teachers rated the level of detail and degree of psychological jargon used in reports as currently unsatisfactory. This review summarizes teacher preferences and identifies report features that aid in report comprehension and also provides a research basis from which to inform training and practice in psychological report writing.