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SPF: Guidelines for Authors
Conditions of Submission
It is expected that when a manuscript is submitted for review, the author (a) has not submitted the manuscript for concurrent review to another journal, (b) has not published the article or a substantial part of the findings elsewhere, and (c) is responsible for the accuracy of all statements and findings. If accepted for publication, the author agrees that the editor has the right to edit the manuscript as necessary for publication (such that content is not substantively changed), and assigns all rights for the publication of the manuscript to SPF.
Submission and Publication Guidelines
All manuscripts must conform to the style and requirements of the Publication Manual
of the American Psychological Association (2001, 5th ed.). The Manual can be obtained from the American Psychological Association, 750 First Street, NE, Washington, DC 20002-4242. Authors should use APA publication guidelines to reduce bias in writing. A copy of the manuscript should be submitted to the editor. All manuscript copies must be double-spaced, accompanied by a 100-150 word abstract. Quotes of 500 words or reproductions of figures and tables must be accompanied by a letter of permission from the copyright holder (usually the publisher and sometimes the original author). All manuscripts should be sent as a Word or RichText document. Figures must be submitted in either Excel, Word, or PDF format and should be sent as separate files, appropriately titled with the lead author’s name and the figure or table number (e.g., Smith-figure1.pdf).
General Article Guidelines
In keeping with the purpose of SPF, emphasizing useful and high quality information to school-based practitioners, the articles should meet the following:
1. Each primary article (e.g., literature reviews, case studies, and original research) should be up to 25 to 30 pages of double-spaced manuscript, including references, figures, and tables. Longer articles may be accepted as space permits or returned for condensing. Concise reviews of evidence-based practices and practice commentary articles should be up to 15 pages (no more than 3750 words).
2. Each article must include specific practical implications and/or recommendations for the topic being discussed. This may include a review of practice guidelines, cautions for school-based practice, etc.
3. Each article must include information regarding where to find additional resources on the topic. Where applicable and feasible, authors will provide resources for readers related to the article that would enhance practice. These could include tips for parents or teachers, guidelines for administrators, worksheets, logging forms, etc.
4. Each article will be subjected to peer review by at least two reviewers. The reviewers will consist of members of the SPF Editorial Advisory Board (EAB), made up of both university-based trainers and practicing school psychologists. In some cases, ad hoc reviewers may be solicited who have particular expertise in a given area.
5. With each article submitted, the author(s) should include a short description of current affiliation and credentials (e.g., Oscar Smith, PhD, NCSP, is a school psychologist with the ABC School District in Inner City, PA. He specializes in working with children with emotional and behavioral difficulties). This will appear as the endnote following the published article. Additionally, contact information for the lead author should be provided including preferred address, telephone, and email address.