All children and adolescents face problems from time to time. They may:
Feel afraid to go to school
Have difficulty organizing their time efficiently
Lack effective study skills
Fall behind in their school work
Lack self-discipline
Worry about family matters such as divorce and death
Feel depressed or anxious
Experiment with drugs and alcohol
Think about suicide
Worry about their sexuality
Face difficult situations, such as applying to college, getting a job, or
quitting school
Question their aptitudes and abilities
School psychologists help children, parents, teachers, and members of the
community understand and resolve these concerns. The following situations
demonstrate how school psychologists may typically approach problems.
Family Problems
The teacher noticed that Carla, an able student, had stopped participating
in class discussions and had difficulty paying attention. The school
psychologist was asked to explore why Carla’s behavior had changed so much.
After discovering that Carla’s parents were divorcing, the school
psychologist provided counseling for Carla and gave her parents suggestions
for this difficult time. Carla’s behavior and self-esteem improved, and she
felt more secure about her relationship with her parents.
School psychologists can be trusted to help with delicate personal and
family situations that interfere with schooling.
Reading Problems
Tommy’s parents were concerned about his difficulty in reading. They feared
that he would fall behind and lose confidence in himself. In school the
teacher noticed that Tommy understood what was presented in verbal form, but
that he needed the help of his classmates to do written work. After
observing Tommy and gathering information about his reading and writing
skills, the school psychologist collaborated with his parents and teachers
to develop a plan to improve his reading and writing. The plan worked, and
both Tommy’s reading and his self-esteem improved.
School psychologists can help prevent future problems when they intervene
with learning problems early on.
A Potential Dropout
David was a high school student who often skipped class. He had very poor
behavior and had been suspended from school on various occasions for
fighting. After establishing a relationship with David, the school
psychologist taught him simple techniques to relax and to control his
aggressive behavior. David’s mother and his teacher worked together on a
plan designed by the school psychologist to establish limits and to improve
communication.
School psychologists recognize that changes in the school environment and at
home can improve the quality of life for children and their families.
