Where Is the Research on Consultation Effectiveness?

Examining the Efficacy of School-Based Consultation: Recommendations for Improving Outcomes

“…Researchers that have reviewed the literature draw attention to the methodological flaws that characterize most empirical research in this area (e.g., Fuchs, Fuchs, Dulan, Roberts, & Fernstrom, 1992;Gresham & Kendell, 1987;Gutkin, 1993;Pryzwansky, 1986) and point out that few well-controlled studies have actually been conducted (Kratochwill & VanSomeren, 1985). Only a few group-design studies have been experimental in nature, and much of the single-case designs have involved only one or two subjects (Fuchs et al, 1992), bringing the external validity of these investigations into question. The limited database and methodological flaws further limit the level of confidence in the outcome literature on consultation.…”

Practical Questions About Collaboration Between General and Special Educators

“…Fuchs, Fuchs, Dulan, Roberts, and Fernstrom (1992) conducted a review of the empirical literature on consultation effectiveness from 1961 to 1989 and found that the median number of databased publications on this topic was fewer than five per year. Four outcome measures (systematic observation of teachers or students, questionnaire or interview responses, teacher ratings of students, and student achievement) were used alone or in combination to judge the success of consultation.…”

Changing a Field of Change

“…Research design improvements have been noted, but consistently authors have identified the lack of long-term follow-up studies and the lack of research on academic achievement as weaknesses. Further, they have pointed out a preponderance of research on behavioral consultation without any supporting evidence that one consultation model is superior to another (Fuchs, Fuchs, & Dulan, 1992;Henning-Stout, 1993;Medway & Updyke, 1985;Sheridan, Welch, & Orme, 1996).…”