School psychologists are skilled in providing consultation to support individual student programing as well as promoting district-wide programs and initiatives.

Examples include:

• Consulting with classroom staff to develop, monitor and support positive behavioral interventions

• Promoting and advising effective strategies for identifying children (Child Find) who need services

• Advising effective pre-referral academic and behavioral interventions and procedures

• Supporting crisis/suicide prevention and intervention services with school teams

• Providing support to special educators in developing appropriate IEP goals based on evaluation outcomes

• Participating in risk assessments and suicide screenings with district teams

• Advising and supporting trauma-informed care practices and tiered behavioral interventions

• Supporting school teams in understanding and interpreting of special education law

School psychologists are qualified to conduct psychological and academic assessments to support multi-disciplinary teams in the determination of special education eligibility. As part of this process, school psychologists conduct developmental histories and observations; interview parents, students and/or teachers; conduct observations in the classroom and other settings; administer behavioral rating tools; and conduct one-on-one assessments with students.

School psychologists summarize their findings in a written report and share their findings to assist with special education or section 504 eligibility determination and educational program planning. They are also highly qualified to develop or contribute to Functional Behavioral Assessments (FBAs), Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs), and safety plans/threat assessments.

School psychologists provide counseling and/or social skills instruction to students on an ongoing or short-term basis.