Book excerpt: Published with the sponsorship of the Trainers of School Psychologists, this two volume handbook examines the essential tenets of the school psychology profession, critically reviews training and practice issues, and evaluates how the traditional and changing skills and issues translate into meeting the needs of children and the systems that serve them. Volume I focuses on the professional issues and topics that form the core of the university curriculum for the school psychology specialist degree. It explores contemporary university training programs, the foundations of school education, and key areas of responsibility for school-based mental health professionals, and takes a look at the future of training for school psychologists. Specific issues such as the teaching of specialty skills and training for unique areas and special populations are also discussed. By way of raising questions and issues that ultimately play out in the field, it lays the groundwork for Volume II, which is dedicated to bridging the training and practice gap.