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I often have students, parents, and community members ask me why school psychologists are in schools? While school psychologists are mostly seen as 'testers' for students who may be eligible for special education services, my job and that of many of my colleagues, at least in the district I work for, is mostly not a 'tester' and much more characterized as a problem solver. As any parent knows, the variety of problems our children (our students) experience carry a host of details that require a listening ear, a thoughtful person, and you guessed it...a problem solver. On any given day in my profession, I must be willing to consider all of the details and background our children's issues and concerns have. It's almost never just one thing. It's the story of the child's life and their perceptions and thoughts of the world around them that must be considered, especially when it is different than the world others around them at school are experiencing. As a school psychologist and because I have fortunately been exposed to so much excellent training and professional experiences, I am able to help students and families walk the often rough path of their school career. Sure, I can open a test kit and analyze data but the greatest skill I have to support students and families is that of a problem solver. Nov. 12-16 was School Psychology Awareness Week nationwide but it didn't end last week for the students who attend the schools I work at. When you ask yourself, "Why does my child's school have a school psychologist," please picture a caring individual practicing humanity and compassion on a daily basis in order for your child to grow into a caring adult in the coming years.
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AuthorLeigh Kokenes works as a School Psychologist. Posts are her own and not necessarily the viewpoint of an employer. Archives
April 2019
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