School psychologists diagnose and implement individual or schoolwide interventions or strategies to address educational, behavioral, or developmental issues that adversely impact educational functioning in a school. May address student learning and behavioral problems and counsel students or families. May design and implement performance plans, and evaluate performance. May consult with other school-based personnel.

  • Compile and interpret students' test results, along with information from teachers and parents, to diagnose conditions and to help assess eligibility for special services.
  • Maintain student records, including special education reports, confidential records, records of services provided, and behavioral data.
  • Report any pertinent information to the proper authorities in cases of child endangerment, neglect, or abuse.
  • Select, administer, and score psychological tests.
  • Interpret test results and prepare psychological reports for teachers, administrators, and parents.
  • Assess an individual child's needs, limitations, and potential, using observation, review of school records, and consultation with parents and school personnel.
  • Develop individualized educational plans in collaboration with teachers and other staff members.
  • Counsel children and families to help solve conflicts and problems in learning and adjustment.
  • Collect and analyze data to evaluate the effectiveness of academic programs and other services, such as behavioral management systems.
  • Provide consultation to parents, teachers, administrators, and others on topics such as learning styles and behavior modification techniques.
  • Collaborate with other educational professionals to develop teaching strategies and school programs.
  • Design classes and programs to meet the needs of special students.
  • Promote an understanding of child development and its relationship to learning and behavior.
  • Attend workshops, seminars, or professional meetings to remain informed of new developments in school psychology.
  • Refer students and their families to appropriate community agencies for medical, vocational, or social services.
  • Serve as a resource to help families and schools deal with crises, such as separation and loss.
  • Initiate and direct efforts to foster tolerance, understanding, and appreciation of diversity in school communities.
  • Provide educational programs on topics such as classroom management, teaching strategies, or parenting skills.
  • Conduct research to generate new knowledge that can be used to address learning and behavior issues.
Work Context
  • Indoors, Environmentally Controlled — 97% responded "Every day".
  • Electronic Mail — 97% responded "Every day".
  • Face-to-Face Discussions — 91% responded "Every day".
  • Freedom to Make Decisions — 66% responded "A lot of freedom".
  • Work With Work Group or Team — 57% responded "Extremely important".
  • Structured versus Unstructured Work — 51% responded "A lot of freedom".
  • Contact With Others — 53% responded "Contact with others most of the time".
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Work Activities
  • Getting Information — Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
  • Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates — Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
  • Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships — Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
  • Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings — Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
  • Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events — Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
  • Making Decisions and Solving Problems — Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
  • Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others — Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
  • Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work — Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
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Detailed Work Activities
  • Interpret research or operational data.
  • Prepare scientific or technical reports or presentations.
  • Collect information from people through observation, interviews, or surveys.
  • Administer standardized physical or psychological tests.
  • Advise others on educational matters.
  • Advise others on educational matters.
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Knowledge

Psychology
  • Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders.
Therapy and Counseling
  • Knowledge of principles, methods, and procedures for diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of physical and mental dysfunctions, and for career counseling and guidance.
Education and Training
  • Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
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Skills

Active Listening
  • Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Reading Comprehension
  • Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Speaking
  • Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Writing
  • Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
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Abilities

Oral Comprehension
  • The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
Oral Expression
  • The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
Oral Comprehension
  • The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
Oral Expression
  • The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
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Personality

People interested in this work like activities that include ideas, thinking, and figuring things out.
They do well at jobs that need:
  • Achievement/Effort
  • Persistence
  • Initiative
  • Leadership
  • Cooperation
  • Concern for Others
  • Social Orientation
  • Self Control
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Technology

You might use software like this on the job:

Word processing software
  • Microsoft Word Hot Technology
  • Word processing software
  • Ewing Solutions QuickWriter
Presentation software
  • Microsoft PowerPoint Hot Technology
  • Presentation software
Office suite software
  • Microsoft Office Hot Technology
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