School/ Educational Psychology is one of the applied fields of psychology and is directly linked to school life. The approach of school psychology concerns the creation of a framework that cares for every student and every school. The school psychologist works individually, in groups and systemically, providing services to students of all levels, teachers, parents and all those involved in the educational process and school life.
The role of the school psychologist is multidimensional and has to do with the work context. The main concern of the school psychologist who works privately is:
to improve school / academic performance.
• conducts psychological and learning assessment to identify learning deviations (eg dyslexia, learning difficulties in written expression, mathematics, etc.), psychosocial and emotional difficulties
• promotes students' motivation for greater involvement in the learning process
• designs individualized programs according to the needs of each student in order to manage the difficulties and support the strong elements
• guides the student to organize study and school commitments (academic coaching)
• records and monitors students' academic progress
• manages behaviors that hinder the learning process
to promote positive behavior and mental health
• enhances students' communication and social skills
• assesses their emotional needs
• holistically assesses student's development to detect warning situations (eg risky behavior), but also the student's interests, abilities and skills
• provides psychological and counseling support to students, teachers, parents
manages crises within the school context
to support diverse learners
• contribute to the evaluation of deviations in development or learning
• plans appropriate individualized programs that meet the specific needs of students
• participates in the management of difficulties and contributes to the better adaptation of the student
In general, school psychologist acts, designs programs and interventions that promote mental health, the value of learning, skills and personal development of school community members and strengthens the family-school relationship.
The school psychologist uses a significant number of diagnostic tools, such as psychodiagnostic tests and questionnaires, school observation (of student and environment), clinical interview with the student, family, teachers, and other professionals who may accompany the student. In addition, develops non-typical learning assessment tests based on the individual needs of the student and utilizes play and drawing during the diagnostic process. The school psychologist often does not act independently. Participates in multidisciplinary teams and collaborates with other scientists, such as pediatricians, child psychiatrists, speech therapists, occupational therapists, special educators, in order to follow a common path to support the student.
Why Do Children Need School Psychologists?
All children and youth can face problems from time to time related to learning; social relationships; making difficult decisions; or managing emotions such as feeling depressed, anxious, worried, or isolated. School psychologists help students, families, educators understand and resolve both long-term, chronic problems and short-term issues.