The Role of the School Psychologist, or how I can help you.

This morning while in the mailroom, a colleague asked an important question, which can be summarized as, “What is your role here?”  It dawned on me that while many of our veteran teachers know what services I provide, some of our novice teachers and parents may not.   Therefore, I would like to take this opportunity to explain how I can help you.  Ms. Annette Clayton, our Social Work Supervisor, recently described the role of the school psychologist in a clear and succinct manner on the NNPS website , so rather than “reinvent the wheel,” I will share her description below, with some modifications.

School psychologists provide services to support the needs of students who present with academic, social or behavioral problems. They serve on school-based interdisciplinary teams that focus on the needs of students who are having academic or school adjustment difficulties. They work closely with teachers, other specialists, administrators and parents to support the attainment of individual student’s academic and social competence.

One of the primary responsibilities of school psychologists is to evaluate students who are having significant school performance or adjustment concerns. However, they also provide the following services to support smart, safe and nurturing schools:

1. Consult with teachers about classroom management issues.
2. Confer with parents/guardians about academic or behavioral concerns.
3. Participate in the development of individual student intervention plans.
4. Collaborate with community resources.
5. Engage in individual and small group counseling with students who demonstrate poor school adjustment.
6. Conduct in-service training and workshops for teachers, other educators and parents/guardians.

As you can see, school psychologists have a diverse role that includes assessment, consultation, counseling, and participation on teams that determine special education eligibility.  Later this year, I would like to offer group counseling for students whose school performance is affected by sad or blue moods, those who worry or seem nervous, and for parents of children with defiant behavior. 

If you are in need of assistance for one of your students, please stop by my office, which is room 107.   I am typically available at Passage on Tuesday, Wednesday, and other Monday. 

I look forward to meeting each of you, and am excited to be part of the Passage team, who continues to improve outcomes for children at school, and in life.   Please check back on my blog, as I will include topics relevant to general and special education, as well as school-based mental health.

For additional information on school psychology, please consult these websites:

National Assocation of School Psychologists:  http://www.nasponline.org/

School Psychologist Files: http://www.schoolpsychologistfiles.com/