The practice of school psychology emphasizes a comprehensive problem-solving methodology in which
the educational and mental health needs of all children are considered within an ecological context, and intervention options
are derived collaboratively to address concerns. Focusing attention on the design and delivery of effective interventionis
the primary goal. The efforts of school psychology services are intended to achieve preventive as well as remedial student
based outcomes. School psychologists recognize the importance of environmental factors that influence human behavior. The
focus of problem solving services is on enhancement of the competencies of children and increased skill levels of primary
care providers such as teachers and parents.
The practice of broad based school psychology includes provision of direct
and indirect services to students through consultation, assessment, intervention, education, and research activities. School
psychologist work in a variety of settings in collaboration with parents and professionals to create effective learning environments,
to foster positive social interactions, and to generate new knowledge in order to improve learning and behavior. The goal
of services is to contribute to significant and lasting differences in the lives of children and families. To accomplish this
objective, school psychological services must emphasize collaborative problem-solving systems analysis and ongoing decision-making
in order to assess, intervene, and evaluate student based outcomes.
In order to meet the changing needs of children,
families, schools, and communities, school psychologist must possess skills and knowledge in numerous areas. The following
domains encompass content required for the practice of school psychology. These domains can be applied to problem-solving
efforts in which school psychologists work to prevent and/or remediate the educational and mental health concerns of children
and families.
Domains
Interpersonal Communications and Processes
Knowledge of helping replationship skills and their application to the following:
a. Classroom learning environments
b. Individual group counseling to students and parents focusing on student concerns
c. Working on teams and committees
d. Conflict management
e. Organizational development and process consultation
Research Methods & Evaluative Procedures
Accountability methods and evaluation designs and their applications to:
a. Interventions with individuals, groups and/or systems
b. Policy and instructional programming decisions for educational agencies
c. Prevention
Individual & Group Assessment Strategies
Knowledge of test and measurement theory and competence in the administration of a wide variety of individual and group
assessment techniques applicable to:
a. Problem identification and remediation of a student's learning and/or behavioral concerns
b. Decisions related to a student's career and vocational goals
c. Decision making for special service programs
d. Instructional procedures for curriculum adaptations
e. Performance monitoring of student progress towards measurable goals.
Psychological Consultation
Knowledge of consultation theory/process and its application to the needs of students, families and educational professionals
in the area of;
a. Academic skills and instructional procedures
b. Behavior and classroom management
c. Staff development, parent education and training
d. Systems analysis and development
