ABSTRACT
This chapter offers an overview of key components and aims to provide conceptual knowledge and tools for consultants to engage successfully in Problem Identification and Problem Analysis (PID/PA). It provides six Big Ideas for consultants to keep in mind during this critical consultation stage, each paired with multiple examples from actual consultant-consultee interactions in schools. These Big Ideas are focused on the process of PID/PA. PID/PA is the second stage of problem-solving, following entry and contracting. Often PID/PA occurs immediately after the consultation is contracted, even within the same meeting, as consultees and consultants alike are eager to dive into the referral issue. Some models of consultation imply that PID/PA can be completed in a single meeting or interview. Even, consultation is often recursive, and PID/PA may need to be revisited if an intervention is unsuccessful, additional problems arise, or one problem is solved and then another is prioritized.
