School Psychology

School Psychology, a general practice of Health Service Psychology, is concerned with children, youth, families, and the schooling process. School psychologists are prepared to intervene at the individual and system levels, and develop, implement and evaluate programs to promote positive learning environments for children and youth from diverse backgrounds, and to ensure equal access to effective educational and psychological services that promote health development.

Core knowledge is rooted in psychology and education and includes knowledge of psychoeducational assessment and diagnosis, intervention, prevention, health promotion, and program development focusing on children and youth development with the context of schools, families and other systems. Knowledge of cultural contexts to address culturally or linguistically diverse individuals, and in learning and effective instruction, and family and parenting processes are critical. School psychologists:

• Conceptualize children’s development and translate scientific findings to alleviate cognitive, behavioral, social and emotional problems.
• Have knowledge of federal law and regulations, case law, and state statutes and regulations for schools and psychological services.
• Appreciate historical influences of educational, community, state, federal, and organizational dynamics on academic, social and emotional functioning.

School psychologists synthesize information on developmental mechanisms and contexts, and they translate it for adults responsible for promoting healthy growth and development of children and youth in a range of contexts to address:

• Educational and developmental problems that impact instruction and learning.
• Social or interpersonal problems and disabilities and disorders that affect learning, behavior, or school-to-work adjustment
• Chronic or acute situations of childhood and adolescence including personal or school crises.
• Adverse social conditions that threaten health (e.g., violence, delinquency, teenage pregnancy, substance abuse).

School psychologists provide services to learners and the systems and agencies that serve them and their families. Populations include:

• Individuals from birth to young adulthood presenting learning or behavior problems, mental disorders evident in infancy, childhood, or adolescence, and those with specific disabilities, chronic, or acute conditions of childhood and adolescence.
• Families who request services and assistance with academic and behavioral problems at home and at school.
• Organizations and agencies, teachers, and other adults to enhance healthy relationships and environments that promote learning and development.

• Assessment and evaluation of individuals and instructional and organizational environments for eligibility, programming, and service delivery.
• Prevention and intervention programs to promote developmental, educational, and psychological well-being.
• Crisis intervention.
• Consultation with teachers, parents, administrators, and other health service providers.
• Supervision of psychological services.
• Accountability and integrity within treatment.
• Professional development programs.