Role of School Psychologists:

School psychologists are professionals whose training emphasizes preparation in assessment, mental health, child development, learning, and intervention. Their training in psychology and education provides the skills to work with preschoolers, children, adolescents, teachers and families. School psychologists collaborate with teachers, parents, guidance counselors and others about learning, social and emotional/behavioral problems.

School psychologists use interviews, observations, and testing data to screen for disabilities and giftedness. They use academic, cognitive, emotional development, and adaptive behavior instruments to determine eligibility for specialized educational programming.

School psychologists work directly with students and/or families to improve coping skills and behavioral functioning. They also provide counseling, behavior management, and social skills training.