What is a School Psychologist?

What exactly does a school psychologist do? I’m sure this is a question many people have, since the role of a school psychologist can be rather very different in each school. School psychologists can fill a number roles; however, they are traditionally viewed as the person who “tests” kids for special education. However, this is only a portion of what a school psychologist can actually do to help teachers, administrators, students, and parents!

School psychologists provide direct support and interventions to students, consult with teachers, families, and other school-employed mental health professionals (i.e., school counselors, school social workers) to improve support strategies, work with school administrators to improve school-wide practices and policies, and collaborate with community providers to coordinate needed services.

Working with Families to...

• Identify and address learning and behavior problems that interfere with school success
• Evaluate eligibility for special education services (within a multidisciplinary team)
• Increase achievement by assessing barriers to learning and determining the best strategies to improve learning
• Provide counseling, instruction, and mentoring for those struggling with social, emotional, and behavioral problems
• Promote wellness and resilience by reinforcing communication and social skills, problem-solving, anger management, self-regulation, self-determination, and conflict resolution

Working with Teachers to...

• Identify and resolve academic barriers to learning
• Design and implement student progress monitoring systems
• Support effective individualized instruction
• Design and implement academic and behavioral interventions
• Create positive classroom environments
• Motivate all students to engage in learning

Working with Administrators to...

• Collect and analyze data related to accountability and school-wide improvements.
• Promote best practices that ensure safety of all students and respond to crises by providing leadership and coordination with community services
• Assist in the design school-wide mental health programs

Why do students need School Psychologists? 

From time to time, all youth can face problems related to learning, relationships, decision-making, or managing emotions. School psychologists help students, families, educators, and others understand and resolve issues students may face. They are a skilled and ready resource in the effort to ensure that all children and youth thrive in school, at home, and in life.