Within classrooms and school settings, school psychologists are positioned to make significant impact through providing education and advocacy around the practices that support equity-centered, trauma-informed care. This article explores how school psychologists and other school-based professionals can advocate for youth who have been exposed to…

Understanding the existing discrepancy between school psychologist engagement in systems-level consultation and the ascribed importance of such practice is likely multifaceted. Barriers, such as time spent in assessment, limited training in consultation, and high caseloads, are known to reduce the possibilities and opportunities for school…

In this article, the author shares suggestions for making the first-year school psychologist's journey easier based on what she has learned, and to provide hope for those feeling overwhelmed by deadlines and demands, by an urgency to meet children's needs, and by the need to resolve the difference between best practices in school psychology and…

School psychologists often have reason to suspect that students may not be putting forth full effort during diagnostic tests, or that questionnaire or rating scale data are not credible. However, such suspicions must be tested carefully to yield data-based conclusions. Structured, empirically supported methods for assessing the "response…

Racial disproportionality in special education reflects the manifestation of modern-day segregation in our education systems (Anyon, 2009; Artiles et al., 2016; Artiles, 2022). Due to their specialized training and positionality as key stakeholders in special education eligibility processes, school psychologists are uniquely suited to impact…

The National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) Social Justice Committee's annual theme is "Supporting SOGD Youth: Sexual Orientation and Gender Diversity." This is the first article in a two-part series reviewing key terminology and ways to support and advocate for youth with SOGD identities, with a focus on sexual and…

Many countries rely on statements issued by professional associations to delimit the scope of school psychological practice. It is, however, not always clear to what extent these statements match current practices and school psychologists' self-perception of their professional role, as empirical data is often unavailable or limited. This study…

Increased attention has been given the safety of students and school staff members following highly publicized acts of violence within schools, including the mass shootings at Robb Elementary School in 2022, Sandy Hook Elementary School in 2012, and Columbine High School in 1999. In response to these tragic events, schools have implemented various…

Over the past few decades, the prevalence and adverse impact of trauma on children have been widely researched and documented. Trauma exposure in children has been associated with long-lasting and detrimental outcomes in childhood and into adulthood, causing disruptions and impairments in their cognitive, social-emotional, mental health, and…

Since the onset of the pandemic schools have reported a 67% increase in mental health services in a survey conducted by study by the National Center for Education Statistics and the U.S. Census Bureau (Panchal, Cox, & Rudowitz 2022). This study investigated the current literature on self-efficacy as it pertains to school psychologists in their…

In 2011, National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) launched its first online self-assessment tool to help school psychologists evaluate their own practices across the 10 domains outlined in the "Model for Comprehensive and Integrated School Psychological Services," also referred to as the NASP Practice Model. Since NASP…

The professional role of a school psychologist leader is a topic of interest for those in the field. Since 1940, state or national associations have outlined recommendations and guidelines for school psychology leadership roles. School psychology leadership aligns with the NASP training and practice model and is critical in promoting best…

As school psychologists help teachers plan and implement classroom behavior management interventions, teacher perspectives on these interventions are vital to consider. To better understand teacher perspectives on a well-established, effective intervention, this study analyzed teacher responses to the Good Behavior Game (GBG; Barrish et al.,…

Growing recognition of the high prevalence of childhood adversity and maltreatment in the general population has led to efforts to support students through trauma-informed practice (TIP). This study investigated the use of coaching in effectively implementing trauma-informed programs in schools. A psychologist and a program "champion"…

"Evaluation" under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is among the major responsibilities of school psychologists. This concluding article in the series on evaluation under the IDEA provides legal analysis and professional recommendations related to procedural appropriateness. Specifically, it addresses notices,…