A psychologist is professionally trained to understand human behavior. The school psychologist applies this training in the area of education and serves the school in an advisory capacity. The skill and training of the psychologist is focused on helping all students achieve to their fullest potential. Some children experience difficulty in school because one or more of their intellectual, emotional and/or social needs are not being met. The school psychologist's task is to identify these unmet needs and to recommend measures to meet them. Psychological services are related directly to the goals of the school by helping each student to learn, grow and adjust. These services include early assessment in the areas of intellectual, scholastic, personal and social development. Working with guidance, the school nurse, social worker, teachers, administrators, and parents, the psychologist tries to bring about changes which will improve learning for a student.
The psychologist may also conduct individual psychological evaluations for students experiencing difficulty in school.
A variety of techniques are used (tests, interviews, consultations, observations, and record reviews) to determine the student's problems. Following the evaluation, a course of action is recommended in conjunction with other school personnel in a team planning format. This might include curriculum adjustment, program changes, suggestions to teachers and/or parents, placement in special programs, and counseling and/or referral to an appropriate agency or professional in the community. A request for psychological services can be made to the building principal by school personnel, parents or students.
