http://www.nasponline.org/resources/handouts/whatis_print.pdf

 The National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) notes,

"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.

School psychologists are highly trained in both

psychology and education, completing a minimum of a

specialist-level degree program (at least 60 graduate

semester hours) that includes a year-long supervised

internship. This training emphasizes preparation in mental

health and educational interventions, child development,

learning, behavior, motivation, curriculum and instruction,

assessment, consultation, collaboration, school law, and

systems. School psychologists must be certified and/or

licensed by the state in which they work. They also may be

nationally certified by the National School Psychology

Certification Board (NSPCB). The National Association of

School Psychologists sets ethical and training standards for

practice and service delivery.

WHAT DO SCHOOL

PSYCHOLOGISTS DO?

School psychologists work to find the best

solution for each child and situation. They use

many different strategies to address individual

student needs, and to improve classroom and

school climates and support systems.

School psychologists work with

Students and Their Families to:

• Identify and address learning and

behavior problems that interfere with

school success

• Evaluate eligibility for special education

services (within a multidisciplinary team)

• Support students' social, emotional, and

behavioral health

• Teach parenting skills and enhance home–

school collaboration

• Make referrals and help coordinate

community support services

School psychologists work with Teachers to:

• Identify and resolve academic barriers to learning

• Design and implement student progress monitoring

systems

• Design and implement academic and behavioral

interventions

• Support effective individualized instruction

• Create positive classroom environments

• Motivate all students to engage in learning

School psychologists

Work with Administrators to:

• Collect and analyze data related to school

improvement, student outcomes, and accountability

requirements

• Implement school-wide prevention programs that

help maintain positive school climates conducive to

learning

• Promote school policies and practices that ensure

the safety of all students by reducing school

violence, bullying, and harassment

• Respond to crises by providing leadership, direct

services, and coordination with needed community

services

• Design, implement, and garner support for

comprehensive school mental health programming

School psychologists work with Community

Providers to:

• Coordinate the delivery of services to students and

their families in and outside of school

• Help students transition to and from school and

community learning environments, such as

residential treatment or juvenile justice programs

HOW  DO SCHOOL  PSYCHOLOGISTS

MAKE  A  DIFFERENCE  IN  SCHOOLS?

All children and adolescents face problems from

time to time. They may:

• Feel afraid to go to school

• Have difficulty organizing their time efficiently

• Lack effective study skills

• Fall behind in their schoolwork

• Lack self-discipline

• Worry about family matters such as divorce and

death

• Feel depressed or anxious

• Struggle with drugs and/or alcohol

• Think about suicide

• Worry about matters related to sexuality

• Face difficult situations, such as applying to

college, getting a job, or quitting school

• Question their aptitudes and abilities

School psychologists help children, parents,

teachers, and members of the community

understand and resolve these concerns. "