Psychological Services

Psychological Services Overview

Psychological services in Burrell School District aim to help students succeed academically and emotionally in a supportive environment. Our school psychologist consults with counselors, administrators and other professionals about your child's learning, and to promote an educational environment that is conducive to optimal personal growth. Most important, the school psychologist will consult with you, as the child's parents, and his or her teachers to understand your child's needs.

A school psychologist is certified by the Pennsylvania Department of Education. Certification requires completing a graduate level school psychology program, a yearlong internship, and achieving passing scores on general academic and content area examinations. To receive permanent certification, three years of supervised work is required. School psychologists receive special training in child development, learning processes, emotional and behavioral adjustment, and psychological and instructional testing. School administrators, principals and teachers rely on school psychologists when planning educational decisions about school children.

A school psychologist works in various ways to enhance your child's school experience. The psychologist may work with children from pre-school through age 21 and may:

• Work with Pupil Service Team, and MTSS to provides special support to children who have not profited from the regular education program.

• Identify children who might need special education attention.

• Help develop an Individualized Educational Plan (IEP) for children who receive special education services.

• Conduct assessments with students who might need gifted education services.

• Participate in student assistance programs (SAP) to help children who might have drug-related or emotional problems.

• Consult with staff and parents about educational concerns and supports