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School psychologists receive specialized advanced graduate preparation that includes coursework and practical experiences relevant to both psychology and education.  School psychologists complete a specialist-level program (at least 60 graduate semester hours) and a year-long, 1,200 hour supervised internship.

School psychologists are uniquely qualified members of school teams that support students’ ability to learn and teachers’ ability to teach. They apply expertise in mental health, learning, and behavior to help children and youth succeed academically, socially, behaviorally, and emotionally.  School psychologists partner with families, teachers, school administrators, and other professionals to create safe, healthy, and supportive learning environments that strengthen connections between home, school, and the community. 

Improve Academic Achievement

• Conduct psychological and academic assessments
• Monitor student progress
• Collect and interpret student and classroom data

Promote Positive Behavior and Mental Health

• Improve students communication and social skills
• Assess student emotional and behavioral needs
• Reinforce positive coping skills and resilience
• Promote positive peer relationships and social problem solving

Create Safe, Positive School Climates

• Support social-emotional learning
• Implement school-wide positive behavioral supports
• Identify at-risk students and school vulnerabilities

Strengthen Family-School Partnerships

• Help families understand their children’s learning and mental health needs
• Assist in navigating special education processes
• Help effectively engage families with teachers and other school staff

Improve School-Wide Assessment and Accountability

• Monitor individual student progress in academics and behavior
• Generate and interpret useful student and school outcome data
• Plan inservices at the district, building, classroom, and individual levels