What We Do
School Psychologists help schools successfully. . .
Improve Academic Achievement
We promote student motivation and engagement • We conduct psychological and academic assessments • We may help schools individualize instruction and interventions • We may help schools manage student and classroom behavior • We help monitor student progress • We can help schools collect and interpret student and classroom data • We help to reduce inappropriate referrals to special education
Support Diverse Learners
We can assess diverse learning needs • We can help schools provide culturally responsive services to students and families from diverse backgrounds • We can help teams with the planning of appropriate Individualized Education Programs for students with disabilities • We can help teachers modify and adapt curricula and instruction • We can help schools adjust classroom facilities and routines to improve student engagement and learning • We can help schools monitor and effectively communicate with parents about student progress
Promote Positive Behavior and Mental Health
Help teachers and families improve students communication and social skills • We can assess student emotional and behavioral needs • We may provide individual and group counseling • We promote problem solving, anger management, and conflict resolution • We help schools reinforce positive coping skills and resilience • We promote positive peer relationships and social problem solving • We may make referrals to and coordinate services with community based providers
Strengthen Family–School Partnerships
We can support schools and help families understand their children’s learning and mental health needs • We may assist in navigating special education processes • We may connect families with community service providers when necessary • We can support schools and help effectively engage families with teachers and other school staff • We may enhance staff understanding of and responsiveness to diverse cultures and backgrounds • We may help students transition between school and community learning environments, such as residential treatment or juvenile justice programs
Create Safe, Positive School Climates
We promote prevention of bullying and other forms of violence • We support social–emotional learning • We can help schools and districts assess school climate and improve school connectedness • We can help schools implement and promote positive discipline and restorative justice • We can help schools and districts implement school-wide positive behavioral supports • We can help school teams identify at-risk students and school vulnerabilities • We can provide crisis prevention and intervention services
Improve School-Wide Assessment and Accountability
We can help schools monitor individual student progress in academics and behavior • We may help schools generate and interpret useful student and school outcome data • We may assist schools in collecting and analyzing data on risk and protective factors related to student outcomes • We may assist in and/or plan services at the district, building, classroom, and individual levels

WHAT TRAINING DO SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGISTS RECEIVE?
School psychologists receive specialized advanced graduate preparation that includes coursework and practical experiences relevant to both psychology and education. School psychologists typically complete either a specialist-level degree program (at least 60 graduate semester hours) or a doctoral degree (at least 90 graduate semester hours), both of which include a year-long 1,200-hour supervised internship.
• Data collection and analysis • Assessment • Progress monitoring • School-wide practices to promote learning • Resilience and risk factors • Consultation and collaboration • Academic/learning interventions • Mental health interventions • Behavioral interventions • Instructional support • Prevention and intervention services • Special education services • Crisis preparedness, response, and recovery • Family–school–community collaboration • Diversity in development and learning • Research and program evaluation • Professional ethics, school law, and systems