SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGISTS: Helping children achieve their best. In school. At home. In life. © 2003 National Association of School Psychologists

What is a School Psychologist?

School Psychologists understand that all children learn when given: Adequate supports and resources Recognition of their individual needs Connection to and trust in adults Opportunities to achieve Acceptance and encouragement Cooperation between school and home

School Psychologists link mental health to learning and behavior to promote: High academic achievement Positive social skills and behavior Healthy relationships and connectedness Tolerance and respect for others Competence, self-esteem, and resiliency

Why Children Need School Psychologists Learning difficulties Behavior concerns Fears about war, violence, terrorism Problems at home or with peers Depression and other mental health issues Attention problems Poverty Diversity, cultural and language barriers

What Do School Psychologists Do? Assessment Consultation Prevention Intervention Education and training Research and program development Mental health care Advocacy

Assessment School psychologists work with children, parents and staff to help determine a child’s: Academic skills Learning aptitudes and styles Personality and emotional development Social skills and behavior issues Learning environments, school climate Special education eligibility

Consultation Help teachers, parents, and administrators understand child development and learning Provide positive alternatives for helping children with learning and behavior problems Strengthen working relationships among educators, parents, and community services

Prevention Implement programs to build positive connections between students and adults Identify potential learning difficulties early Design programs for children at risk Help adults to address problem behavior(s) Foster tolerance and appreciation of diversity Create safe, supportive learning environments

Intervention Work face-to-face with children and families Develop individualized solutions for learning and adjustment Plan and implement crisis response Provide –Counseling –Social skills training –Behavior management solutions

Education Train teachers and parents in: Teaching and learning strategies Parenting techniques Classroom management techniques Working with exceptional students Strategies to address substance abuse and risky behaviors Crisis prevention and response

Research and Program Development Recommend and implement evidence-based programs and strategies Generate new knowledge of learning and behavior Evaluate effectiveness of programs and interventions Contribute to school-wide reform and restructuring

Mental Health Care Deliver school-based mental health services Coordinate with community resources and health care providers Partner with parents and teachers to create healthy school environments

Advocacy NASP and state professional associations are dedicated to advocacy School Psychologists Encourage/Sponsor Appropriate education placements Education reform Legislative involvement Community services and programs Funding for adequate resources

Where Do School Psychologists Work? Public and private schools Private practice Colleges and universities Community mental health centers Institutional/residential facilities Pediatric clinics and hospitals Criminal justice system Public agencies

Examples of efforts in our school(s)

How school psychologists [insert activity] [You can highlight a program or intervention that you currently do at your school to address a particular issue or use the following issue specific slides as examples.]

School psychologists help prevent bullying Develop and institute school-wide prevention programs/codes of conduct Train students on conflict resolution and social problem solving Educate teachers to recognize warning signs and intervene immediately Work individually with students who are victims or bullies

School psychologists help prevent and respond to crises Collaborate with school staff and district administration to develop a comprehensive crisis response plan Help identify those who are most distressed and need interventions or referrals Provide training on effective coping skills Offer group and family interventions Provide follow-counseling/support after a crisis Offer information and referrals for those who need further help

School psychologists promote cultural competence Provide students culturally and linguistically appropriate assessment and intervention services Understand how cultural issues relate to mental health and learning Respect and respond to children’s diverse needs Support culturally and linguistically appropriate communications with parents

Ethnicity of the U.S. Population Ethnicity% White/Caucasian70.7 Hispanic/Latino12.5 Black/African-American12.3 Asian-American/Pacific Islander 3.6 American Indian/Alaskan Native 0.9 Source: 2000 U.S. Census

Linguistic Diversity 17.9% of the U.S. population over the age of five speaks a language other than English at home Approximately 11% of the U.S. population is foreign born For example, more than 100 foreign languages are spoken by students in the Fairfax County Public Schools in VA. Source: 2000 U.S. Census

School psychologists support the mission of schools and families because: Children with difficult challenges need effective solutions Parents need ideas for addressing behavior, learning, and mental health problems Teachers need help working with students’ varied educational needs and behaviors Society needs mentally healthy, well- educated children

“School Psychology is like growing a garden, because you have to do a lot of ground work before you can see the rewards and see growth … with the children, staff, and community, but the results are definitely worth it!” --Sarah D’Elia, EdS, School Psychologist, Braintree, MA

What are the similarities and differences between school psychologists and school counselors?

Both school psychologists and school counselors: Consult with teachers on classroom management and children’s behavior Educate parents on handling behavior and social issues Develop and implement school-wide programs Help children with problems such as peer issues, bullying, and stress

Differences School psychologists tend to work with children experiencing more severe and intense problems School psychologists typically work in several schools with multiple age groups, whereas school counselors work in one school with a single age group

Differences School psychologists conduct assessments of children’s learning, behavior, and mental health problems School psychologists work as a member of a team to determine eligibility for special education and evaluate progress School counselors help students with course selection and career/college advisement

School psychologists and school counselors often work together as a team to support children’s needs.

How does a school psychologist differ from a child psychologist? School psychologists focus on how social emotional issues, family problems, neurological factors, and mental illness affect learning and behavior Child clinical psychologists: Usually work in a hospital, mental health center, private clinic, or university setting Are not typically trained in education, instruction, or classroom management Do not focus primarily on the multiple factors that affect learning

To contact your school psychologist [ADD NAME and CONTACT INFORMATION HERE]