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