Examples of why school psychologists are needed
Here are a few of your stories that clearly illustrate the importance of having adequate numbers
of school psychologists in the schools. Please feel free to use these when making presentations
or writing letters regarding school psychologists and the threatened layoffs:
During a scheduled special education staff meeting two weeks ago, teachers brought a student
up who demonstrated quick and unpredictable anger toward peers. This student was not ED
and at that time, the staff did not think a BSP was warranted, as the situations had, until that
point been defused.
However, a few days later, the same student attacked another student, who had made a
derogatory comment about his father. Once again, school staff intervened to prevent a fight.
However, the student was so angry; he chased the student and almost knocked down a
pregnant staff member as he attempted to catch the boy. He had to be physically restrained by
a male staff member.
Luckily, I was assigned to that campus that day, as I was immediately called by the principal to
work with this student on de-escalation. He was trembling and hitting his head with closed fists.
After assisting the student with calming, he reported that he wanted to "kill" the student and
provided details to how he would have done it and without remorse. By the end of crisis
counseling, the teenager agreed that he would not hurt his peer and that he needed help with
his anger. He finally agreed to accept counseling services, and a BSP was developed. The MET
was not available that day, due to an apparent shortage of staff.
*--*
This year we had a general education 6th grade student who suddenly began to exhibit school
phobia/ school refusal. His symptoms escalated over the course of 2 weeks from going to the
nurse with physical complaints to get sent home, to falling on the ground screaming, physically
refusing to get out of the car, and struggling with police escorts walking him into the school. He
began saying he wanted to die. The counselor and psychologist worked with the parents to get
him mental health services, and developed a school plan to allow him to work in an alternate
setting and gradually increase his time in class. Within about 6 weeks the student was back to
attending the full day in class without incident, and getting good grades.
*--*
We had a 6th grade girl with a severe case of Tourette’s syndrome. She had been out of school
for 2 years, on home hospital, due to the violent tics she was having. With improvements in her
symptoms, she was ready to transition back to school. Before she began the year, the
counselor, psychologist, RSP teacher and administration in-serviced the staff about Tourette’s
and this student’s particular challenges. The family came to school ahead of time and also
talked to the staff. The team also worked out a plan for the student if she was having severe
symptoms. On her first day, her teachers introduced her to her classmates and gave some
information about Tourette’s and also had the student herself, present information to the class
about her condition. By being pro-active and preparing the staff, student, family, and the rest of
the student population the team was able to create a welcoming climate for the student. She
was able to transition back to a school setting with lots of support from her peers and her
teachers.
*--*
I was notified by my school district, Palm Springs Unified School District, that I will be receiving
a lay off notice. I presently serve three sites and currently am spread thin regarding my
responsibilities. I presently serve one middle school and two elementary program. My district
laid off a school psychologist last year and per their board meeting minutes will be serving
preliminary lay off notices to two full time school psychologists (including myself). We currently
have 14 school psychologists, not all full time. I am curious to know how they plan on providing
school psychological support at these sites with less psychologist especially since they are
opening up a new middle school next year and a high-school the following school year.
I developed, established and trained the staff on the systematic behavioral program of the
only emotionally disturbed SDC elementary program within the district. I have interceded in
several crises including the death of students through gang related activities at my middle
school site, and presently support the general education staff at my elementary site for all
behavior supports with the neighboring foster. I interceded in all crises in the ED program for
two years, serving as the case-carrier, counselor and administrator of this program.
My credentials include a wealth of knowledge regarding neuro-school psychological
assessment practices and data driven behavioral interventions. Not to include my ability to
consult and intervene with contentious IEP meeting with ethnically diverse populations, given
my African American ethnic background and my ability to relate to these population (I am the
only African American school psychologist within the entire Coachella Valley). Families that I
served in Desert Hot Springs, CA have entrusted their confidence in me and relate to me
given my background and understanding of their own cultural nuances.
It is a shame that with the increase of suicides and school violence that school districts have
decided to reduce the services that we provide, especially with the dramatic cuts pending in
mental health. I am hoping that this trend will cease, as it is irresponsible to reduce services that
support the social development, mental health and assessment of learning processes of
students. We psychologists impact are student's functioning in the K-12 setting and beyond.