SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGY
Program Description
School psychology provides assessment services to schools on a referral basis. The purpose is to
support students, school personnel and parents in meeting the academic, social and adaptive needs of
students through collaborative consultation. Psycho-educational assessments serve diagnostic and
planning functions for students. Information may be used to assist with goal setting, and selection of
teaching and intervention strategies.
Referral Process
The School-Based Team, in collaboration with parents/guardians, determines if a psycho-educational
assessment is required. Informed, signed parent/guardian consent is necessary. The School-Based
Team is responsible for prioritizing referrals within the school.
School Psychology services will be delivered to schools on a rotational basis as determined by students’
needs. Past history has determined that the number of assessments required by each school can vary
from year to year depending on demographic variables. The effectiveness of School Psychology service
delivery is directly related to diligent pre-referral practices by the school-based team. The referral should
clearly state the reason for the request and include pertinent school-based information such as file
review, pre-referral assessment results, intervention strategies and interdisciplinary involvement. Schools
are encouraged to work directly with the School Psychologists assigned to their school, in both the
selection and pacing of appropriate referrals.
It is anticipated that most children in the early primary years will not require psycho-educational
assessments in order to receive support services. The Ministry of Education guidelines state that children
in Kindergarten to Grade 2 who display persistent difficulties in the acquisition of pre-academic skills
alone may be eligible for supplemental services for students with Severe Learning Disabilities.
In accordance with Ministry guidelines, a referral to school psychological services is taken only after there
has been considerable pre-referral assessment and pre-referral intervention. Emphasis on school-based
problem solving should lessen the number of referrals for testing.
Psycho-educational assessment results are summarized in a written, confidential report, which is shared
with the parent/guardian and the school-based team.
When a student’s test results fall within specific Ministry guidelines, it will be stated in the report.
Re-evaluation of psycho-educational assessments is done on an as-needed basis for programming
purposes.
Outside Psycho-Educational Assessments
We follow the same guidelines as the Ministry of Education regarding the use of psycho-educational
assessments from outside agencies and private practioners. These guidelines state that the practitioner
must be registered with the BC College of Psychologists and/or certified with the BC Association of
School Psychologists.
Contact:
School Psychologists, Student Services 604-937-6386
District Principal, Student Services 604-937-6386