What is a primary responsibility of a school psychologist in special education?

The primary responsibility of a school psychologist in special education centers around assisting with mental health support. School psychologists are trained to assess and provide interventions for students who may have emotional, behavioral, or learning difficulties. Their expertise enables them to work collaboratively with teachers, parents, and other professionals to create strategies that support students’ mental wellness, which is vital for their success in the educational environment.

Focused on mental health, school psychologists conduct assessments to identify students' needs, provide counseling, and develop behavior intervention plans. They play a crucial role in ensuring that students with special needs have access to the appropriate supports, which can include linking them to resources for additional services or advocating for accommodations within the classroom.

This focus on mental health impacts not only individual students but the overall school climate, fostering an environment conducive to learning and emotional well-being. In contrast, responsibilities such as teaching general education classes or overseeing lunchroom supervision do not fall within the specialized skills and training of school psychologists, nor do they address the students' special educational needs directly. Similarly, conducting physical education assessments is not a central focus of their role, which is primarily devoted to addressing psychological and emotional aspects of learning and development.