Role of Psychologist
SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGISTS HELP STUDENTS THRIVE
School psychologists are uniquely qualified members of school teams that support students’ ability to learn and teachers’ ability to teach. They apply expertise in mental health, learning, and behavior to help children and youth succeed academically, socially, behaviorally, and emotionally. School psychologists partner with families, teachers, school administrators, and other professionals to create safe, healthy, and supportive learning environments that strengthen connections between home, school, and the community.
WHAT TRAINING DO SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGISTS RECEIVE?
School psychologists receive specialized advanced graduate preparation that includes coursework and practical experiences relevant to both psychology and education. School psychologists typically complete either a specialist-level degree program (at least 60 graduate semester hours) or a doctoral degree (at least 90 graduate semester hours), both of which include a year-long 1,200-hour supervised internship. Graduate preparation develops knowledge and skills in:
- Data collection and analysis
- Assessment
- Progress Monitoring
- School-wide practices to promote learning
- Resilience and risk factors
- Consultation and collaboration
- Academic/learning interventions
- Mental health interventions
- Behavioral interventions
- Instructional support
- Prevention and Intervention services
- Special education services
- Crisis preparedness, response, and recovery
- Family-school-community collaboration
- Diversity in development and learning
- Research and program evaluation
- Professional ethics, school law, and systems
School psychologists must be credentialed by the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE). They also may be nationally certified by the National School Psychology Certification Board (NSPCB). The National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) sets standards for graduate preparation, credentialing, professional practice, and ethics.
The Diplomate in School Neuropsychology credential is awarded by the ABSNP, LLC to applicants who demonstrate competency in school neuropsychology. The ABSNP, LLC requires documentation of one's professional skills and training, passage of a written objective examination, and an oral defense of a written case study. The ABSNP, LLC provides validation of a school neuropsychologist's professional skills and helps promote those skills to peers and to the public. Current Diplomates in School Neuropsychology have maintained their professional skills through documented annual continuing education requirements.
SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGISTS HELP SCHOOLS SUCCESSFULLY:
Who is Chestnut Ridge School District’s School Psychologist?
Mr. Paul Engleman, NSCP, ABSNP
Nationally Certified School Psychologist
Diplomate of the American Board of School Neuropsychology
(814) 839-4195 x2008