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Scope of School Psychology Profession

School psychologists work with students individually and in groups, as well as address school- and district-wide issues such as bullying prevention and positive behavioral supports. We use many different approaches, but generally provide these core services:

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.
  • Provide crisis prevention and preparedness information and training.
  • Collaborate with school staff and community agencies to provide services directed at improving mental and physical health.
  • Develop partnerships with parents and teachers to promote healthy school environments.

Consultation

  • Collaborate with teachers, parents, and administrators to find effective solutions to learning and behavior problems.
  • Help others understand child development and mental health and how they affect 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.

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.


Adapted from: “What Is a School Psychologist,” Andrea Canter, Helping Children at Home and School II: Handouts for Families and Educators, NASP, 2004.

The full handout is available online at www.nasponline.org/families

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