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What do school psychologists do?
School psychologists have specialized training in the fields of psychology and education. They use their skills and training to work with students, parents, and school personnel to help all children reach their learning potential. School psychologists are certified by the Pennsylvania Department of Education and some earn national certification status. Each school psychologist must have at least a Master's degree and 30 additional graduate credits in school psychology (including an extensive internship). Some earn doctorate degrees and some hold a professional psychologist license. The responsibilities of school psychologists include: assessment, consultation, intervention, and counseling.
Assessment
School psychologists administer psychological and educational tests to students who are experiencing learning, social, emotional, or behavioral difficulty. Testing is often conducted as part of a multidisciplinary evaluation to determine whether the student has a learning, mental, emotional, or physical disability that requires special education services. School psychologists also conduct evaluations of students to determine whether they are mentally gifted and in need of accelerated or advanced educational programs.
Consultation
School psychologists provide advice and recommendations to parents, teachers, and other school personnel regarding children's learning or behavior problems. They may provide training in behavior management, social skills, or effective teaching practices.
Intervention
School psychologists work as members of student support teams to develop interventions and programs for students who are experiencing learning or behavior problems.
Counseling
School psychologists may provide individual or small group counseling to students to teach them social skills or coping strategies.
Services are provided at no cost to parents. IU8 presently employs fifteen school psychologists who provide services to school districts in four counties. Assignment of school psychologists is based on the student population of each school district, with each psychologist responsible for approximately 2500 students.
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