“School psychology is a general practice and
health service provider specialty of
professional psychology that is concerned with
the science and practice of psychology with
children, youth, families; learners of all ages;
and the schooling process.” (Fagan & Wise, 2007)
One can see the roots of School Psychology as early as 1920
when the need for services in schools began to emerge.
Psychologists such as Cattell and Binet pioneered some of the
earliest tools and methods that would be later used by school
psychologists. School Psychology basically evolved from a
community or clinic based treatment model to a school-based
and school-linked service delivery model. Whereas the dominant
ideology of earlier years was focused more on testing for
disabilities, the field has changed over the decades to early
intervention for preventing the progression of academic and
behavioral problems.
(Fagan & Wise, 2007)
Fagan, T.K. & Wise, P.S., 2007. School Psychology: Past, Present and Future.
Bethesda, MD: National Association of School Psychologists Publications.
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Consult with parents, educators, and other interested parties regarding:
academic, behavioral, cultural, social and emotional assessments and supports that help
meet the needs of all students.
 appropriate, culturally sensitive comprehensive interventions within schools, other settings.
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Intervene by developing instructional and behavioral strategies and methods
to improve academic, social-emotional, and vocational outcomes.
Assess children, adolescents and young adults to better understand abilities
and areas of concern, including learning and behavioral difficulties, and
various disabilities.
Conduct and translate research for practice
Promote social justice and children’s rights across the globe
Collaborate with various professionals to ensure equal opportunities for
services to all children, adolescents and young adults
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Minimum Requirement for School-Based
Practice: Specialist Level Graduate Degree
 Educational Specialist Degree
 Masters Degree + Internship
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Minimum Requirement for Practice Outside
the Schools: Doctoral Degree with
Psychology License
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Schools – K-12, preschool, post-secondary
Hospitals and Day Treatment Centers
Community Mental Health
College or University
Organizational Consultants
Private Practice
Research and Product Development
Publishing
Major Organizations for Member Support:
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Division 16 of American Psychological Association (APA)
 Website: http://www.indiana.edu/~div16/index.html
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National Association of School Psychologists (NASP)
 Website: http://www.nasponline.org/
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International School Psychology Association (ISPA)
 Website: http://www.ispaweb.org/
Training Councils
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Council of Directors of School Psychology Programs
Trainers of School Psychologists
Research Society
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Society for the Study of School Psychology
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Division 16 Mission:
 Division 16 - School Psychology is composed of scientific-practitioner
psychologists whose major professional interests lie with children, families,
and the schooling process. The Division represents the interests of
psychologists engaged in the delivery of comprehensive psychological
services to children, adolescents, and families in schools and other applied
settings. The Division is dedicated to facilitating the professional practice of
school psychology and actively advocates in domains, such as education
and health care reform, which have significant implications for the practice
of psychology with children.
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Division 16 Executive Committee Initiatives:
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Globalization of School Psychology
Social Justice and Child Rights
Translation science to practice and policy
Promoting School Psychology as specialty
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Division 16 Major Goals and Objectives:
 Promote and maintain high standards of professional education and
training within the specialty, expand appropriate scientific and
scholarly knowledge and the pursuit of scientific affairs;
 Increase effective and efficient conduct of professional affairs,
including the practice of psychology within the schools, among other
settings, and collaboration/cooperation with individuals, groups, and
organizations in the shared realization of Division objectives;
 Support the ethical and social responsibilities of the specialty, to
encourage opportunities for the ethnic minority participation in the
specialty, and to provide opportunities for professional fellowship; and
 Encourage and effect publications, communications, and conferences
regarding the activities, interests, and concerns within the specialty
on a regional, national, and international basis.
 APA,
Division 16 - School Psychology website at:
http://www.indiana.edu/~div16/index.html
 National
Association of School Psychologists
(NASP) at:
http://www.nasponline.org/