What is a School Psychologist?

School psychologists help children and adolescents succeed academically, socially, and emotionally. They collaborate with educators, parents, and other professionals to create safe, healthy, and supportive learning environments for all students that strengthen connections between home and school. School psychologists are highly trained in both psychology and education. Their training emphasizes preparation in the following: data-based decision making, consultation and collaboration, effective instruction, child development, student diversity and development, school organization, prevention, intervention, mental health, learning styles, behavior, research, and program evaluation.  School psychologists must be certified and/or licensed by the state in which they work.

What Do Intermediate Unit School Psychologists Do?

IU school psychologists work to find the best solution for each student and situation; they use different strategies to address student needs and to improve family, community, school, and/or district-wide support systems. IU school psychologists conduct evaluations and reevaluations to help identify students' cognitive, adaptive, and achievement strengths and needs.  They work with school staff to explore options that will allow students with disabilities to be successful in their current learning environments.  IU School psychologists also work with students individually and in groups. They also develop programs to train teachers and parents about effective teaching and learning strategies, techniques to manage behavior at home and in the classroom, and preventing and managing crises.