School psychologists play a significant role in offering a psychological perspective to the challenges confronted by the educators and the clients of schools, which include students, parents and members of the local community (LeCapitaine, 2000, p. 74). Through their comprehensive training in learning, child development and educational structures, school psychologists perform the following critical functions: a) assessing all students including special needs students and gifted students; b) assisting students who are exhibiting social and emotional difficulties; c) providing consultations to teachers and parents; and d) developing and implementing various intervention programs (National Association of School Psychologists, 2000; Robinson, 2002, p. 35). Each of these roles and functions will be discussed concisely in the remainder of this paper.
In their role as evaluators, school psychologists possess the knowledge to diagnose and evaluate the unique characteristics and challenges of individual students. For example, they can determine whether gifted students are suffering from learning disabilities, Attention Deficit-Hyperactivity Disorder, behavioral disorders or Asperger's Syndrome, which may account for their poor performance or erratic social behavior. At the same time, their knowledge of the Individuals with Disabilities Act and individual education plans (IEPs) enable them to understand how the school system can best meet the needs of special needs students (Robinson, 2002, p. 35).
Apart from helping special populations of students, school psychologist is also a vital resource for all students as counselors. Typical students who feel pressured to succeed academically in the school setting or fit in with their peers may experience a wide range of problems that can be addressed by school psychologists. These types of problems range from worries about test performances to different kinds of eating disorders. In these ...