School Psychology is the application of psychology to children’s academic and social-emotional development. School psychologists draw from the knowledge bases of psychology, education, law, and professional school psychology.

School Psychology is a general practice and health service provider specialty of professional psychology concerned with the science and practice of psychology with children, youth, families; learners of all ages; and the schooling process. The basic education and training of school psychologists prepares them to provide a range of psychological assessment, intervention, prevention, health promotion, and program development and evaluation services with a special focus on the developmental processes of children and youth within the context of schools, families, and other systems.

School psychologists are prepared to intervene at the individual and system level and develop, implement, and evaluate preventive programs. In these efforts, they conduct ecologically valid assessments and intervene to promote positive learning environments within which children and youth from diverse backgrounds have equal access to effective educational and psychological services to promote healthy development.

School psychologists may counsel a child whose parents recently divorced, collaborate with a teacher to help a child who is deaf to read, assess a child for learning disabilities, develop a drop-out prevention program, teach parents skills to work with their child more effectively, show a class of third graders how to solve problems without violence, or collaborate with other school personnel to design a special educational program for a child with autism.

School psychology is a dynamic and stimulating career that makes a difference in children’s lives. Although many school psychologists work in elementary and secondary schools, many-especially those with doctoral degrees-are employed in universities, clinics, hospitals, mental health centers, state departments of education, and /or in independent practice. Many go on to administration such as special education administrator or coordinator of school psychological services, building principal, or director of community-or-hospital based mental health services. The best estimate of the number of persons trained as school psychologists and employed today in some capacity is approximately 30,000.

Since 1976, shortages of school psychologists have existed in every region of our country. These shortages are likely to be exacerbated by the retirements of a large number of school psychologists who entered the field in the 1960's and 1970's. Exciting, well-paying career opportunities in school psychology are growing rapidly. If you are looking for a way to help children and enjoy working with children and their families, school psychology may be the career for you.

A Career in School Psychology (a PowerPoint presentation; will download to the computer's desktop)

Illinois School Psychology Association www.ilispa.org

The Complete Guide to School Psychology (from UC Berkeley School Psychology)
www-gse.berkeley.edu/program/SP/html/spguide.html

Global School Psychology Network, www.dac.neu.edu/cp/consult/, listen to audio Interviews with school psychologists about diverse careers in the field, such as Early Intervention and Preschool, Community-School Collaboration, and even Organizational and Sports Consultation!

APA Guide to Graduate Study in Psychology http://www.apa.org/gradstudy/

How to search for an advanced degree www.gradschools.com