Introduction to

School Psychology
Course Instructor: Ms. Rameesha Mahtab
School Psychology
● This is a field of study and professional practice, focusing on the
educational and psychological needs of children, youth and
families.
● It is closely related to many other fields such as clinical and
counseling psychology, developmental psychology and
educational psychology.
● It also remains unique as it requires training in child development,
learning , behavior, motivation and mental health to name a few.
School Psychology
● The School psychologists are prepared to provide a range of
psychological diagnosis, assessment, intervention, prevention,
health promotion, and program development and evaluation
services with a special focus on the developmental processes of
children and youth within the context of schools, families and
other systems.
● They 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.
 Mission
• They 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.
• They promote optimal learning.
• Enable a nurturing school environment that
promotes cognitive, physical, social and
emotional development.
• Encourage family involvement.
 Philosophy
• Children learn best in communities where educators are valued and treated with respect
and are learners themselves.
• All children have a right to at least one caring and capable adult in their lives.

Safe and Respect and Diversity, Collaboration Integrated Protecting Early

Nurturing Engagement Equity, and with Rights and Interventions
Perspective
Environment for All Critical Stakeholders of Service Respecting and Data-Based
Students Thinking Differences Decision
Making
Scope of Practice of School
Psychologists
● School psychologists serve students of all ages and their families, as
well as the systems of agencies that serve them.
● They usually work in the following settings:
● Private schools
● Preschools
● School district administration offices
● School-based health and mental health centers
● Juvenile justice programs
● Independent private practice
Personal Requirements to be
a School Psychologist?
01 02 03
Empathy Unconditional Regard Compassion

04 05 06
Non Judgemental Attitude Polite and Frienly Emotional stability

06
07
Integrity Sound Judgement
Expertise and Roles
● Data Collection and Analysis
● Assessment
● Progress monitoring
● Academic/learning interventions
● Mental health interventions
● Behavioral interventions
Expertise and Roles
● Prevention and intervention services
● Special education services
● Crisis preparedness, response, and recovery
● Family-school-community collaboration
● Research and program evaluation
● Professional ethics, school law, and systems
Reference
● Guidelines for the Practice of School Psychology | Connecticut State
Department of Education
● Practical Handbook of School Psychology, Gretchen Gimpel Peacock, Ruth A.
Ervin, Edward J. Daly III, Kenneth W. Merrell