School Psychology

SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGY

TCESC’s school psychology program focuses on three main areas: identifying and describing student needs; leading the way for intervention and modification of curriculum and teaching; and helping parents and teachers to appreciate the uniqueness of each student.
A school psychologist’s primary activities include assessment, consultation, and counseling. Assessment is the process of understanding and guiding improvement. School psychologists use tests to collect information about a student’s potential, learning style, behavioral tendencies, skills, and emotional status.
Every assessment focuses on describing the nature of the difficulties a student is experiencing and the implications that the difficulties may have on performance. Assessments also provide direction for addressing the student’s needs.
School psychologists are frequently a liaison between numerous individuals including parents, teachers, principal, family physicians and other specialists such as speech and reading teachers, counselors and nurses. School psychologists assist in translating information into a meaningful description of a student so that appropriate interventions can be developed.
School psychologists are trained to provide a full range of psychological services to districts. They consult with teachers, administrators, parents, and outside agencies. They provide counseling as part of the individual educational plan to optimize performance and behavior of students within the school setting. They develop behavior plans and intervention strategies for implementation within the school and home settings.
School psychologists provide individual and group counseling and consultation to students and teachers involved in TCESC’s program for emotionally disturbed students. They collaborate with the teacher to maximize the benefit of the classroom setting and instructional methods.
School psychologists provide specialized assessment, consultation and behavior planning to TCESC’s preschool students with disabilities program. They work closely with the program supervisor and the preschool staff.
School psychologists provide professional development to districts on topics such as behavior management, mental health concerns, topics related to learning and development, legal issues related to special education, and state standards and procedures.