Gurushala

Life & Well Being

Need of Psychologists in Schools

Times have changed. While academic matters are still the main focus of schools, social, economic, and political factors have altered the school environment. In this setting, school psychologists have emerged as advocates for children, providing compassion and guidance to ensure that students’ emotional issues are addressed appropriately. School psychologists play various roles in the school system, including those crisis counselors, testing facilitators, and community outreach coordinators, among other roles.

They can help in assessing the academic performance, mental health, and behavior of the students as well as teachers and provide them support and guidance for the same. They consult with the teachers, parents, and peers of the student to analyze their potential and mental state.

School psychologists have extensive training in child development. The school psychologist may work as part of a team that includes the teachers, guidance counselor, and social worker. The expertise of the school psychologist is especially helpful in addressing the needs of children with chronic conditions and making sure that they thrive in the classroom setting.

The school psychologist plays a role in strengthening family and school partnerships and community outreach. In the past, the school psychologist was relegated to the task of helping schools and families navigate the special education process for children with developmental issues and other specialized concerns. While this remains a primary concern, psychologists in the school setting are expected to be available to help families understand their children’s emotional and mental health needs and to connect them with service providers as needed.

The school psychologist is expected to serve as a liaison between families and the school and between the school and the community. The psychologist is a diplomat of sorts, trained to bring together people of various cultures and backgrounds to promote a learning environment that is safe and inclusive. Psychologists have the additional task of helping students transition between school and other learning environments, such as juvenile justice programs or residential treatment settings.

About the author

Rahila Ahmed is working in Pratham Education Foundation and works on aspects of Teacher Support Management for the teacher capacity development portal: Gurushala. Any views expressed are personal.

Comments