School Psychology

Overview

School psychologists help children and youth succeed academically, socially, behaviorally and emotionally. They collaborate with educators, parents and other professionals to create safe, healthy and supportive learning environments that strengthen connections between home, school and the community for all students.

How We Can Help

School psychologists are uniquely qualified members of school teams who support teachers’ ability to teach and students’ ability to learn. They use many different strategies to find the best solution for each child and situation.

School psychologists provide direct and indirect services at the student level and systems level. At the student level, they assist in developing interventions, instructional supports, and/or mental health services to develop academic, social and life skills. At the systems level, school psychologists work to implement and support school-wide practices to promote learning. School psychologists bring training and skills in data-based decision making and accountability as well as consultation and collaboration to the school and district teams on which they serve.

Day to day responsibilities of school psychologists may include conducting special education evaluations, working with students individually or in groups, delivering trainings for teachers and/or parents regarding evidence-based strategies to support student learning and social / emotional development, responding to crises, and promoting safety of all students through policies and practices that reduce bullying and harassment.

School Psychologist Responsibilities

Consultation

• Collaborate with teachers, parents and administrators to find effective solutions to learning and behavior problems.
• Help others understand child development and how it affects learning and behavior.
• Strengthen working relationships between teachers, parents and service providers in the community.

Evaluation

• Evaluate eligibility for special services.
• Assess academic skills and aptitude for learning.
• Determine social-emotional development and mental health status.
• Evaluate learning environments.

Intervention

• Provide psychological counseling to help resolve interpersonal or family problems that interfere with school performance.
• Work directly with children and their families to help resolve problems in adjustment and learning.
• Provide training in social skills and anger management.
• Help families and schools manage crises such as death, illness or community trauma.

Prevention

• Design programs for children at risk of failing at school.
• Promote tolerance, understanding and appreciation of diversity within the school community.
• Develop programs to make schools safer and more effective learning environments.
• Collaborate with school staff and community agencies to provide services directed at improving psychological and physical health.
• Develop partnerships with parents and teachers to promote healthy school environments.

Research and Planning

• Evaluate the effectiveness of academic and behavior management programs.
• Identify and implement programs and strategies to improve schools.
• Use evidence-based research to develop and/or recommend effective interventions.