< Back to Exceptional Student Education

Who is a School Psychologist?

A School Psychologist is a person specifically trained in the psychology of learning and child development as well as social and emotional adjustment. The School Psychologist is knowledgeable in 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 Psychologist use these skills as they work with all school personnel, parents, and students to help make education as rewarding as possible. School Psychologists are certified and/or licensed by the state. School Psychologists may also be nationally certified by the National School Psychology Certification Board (NSPCB).

What Do School Psychologists Do?

School psychologists use problem solving techniques to improve the educational outcomes for individual students, as well as for whole classes, schools, and districts. School psychologists 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, work with students with disabilities or with special talents, address abuse of drugs and other substances, and prevent and manage crises.
 
Our school psychologists provide the following services: 

Consultation

• Collaborate with teachers, parents, and administrators to find effective solutions to learning and behavior problems.

• Assist other educators, as well as parents, in understanding child development and how it affects learning and behavior.

• Establish and strengthen working relationships between teachers, parents, and service providers in the community.

Evaluation

• Evaluate eligibility for special services.

• Assess academic skills and aptitude for learning.

• Determine social-emotional development and mental health status.

• Evaluate learning environments.

Research and Planning

• Evaluate the effectiveness of academic and behavior management programs.

• Identify and implement programs and strategies to improve schools.

• Use evidence-based research to develop and/or recommend effective interventions. 

If you have any questions, do not hesitate to reach out to the district Exceptional Student Education Department at (863) 462-5000, extension 1055 or by email at esequestions@okeeschools.org