Expanding the role of School Psychologists at ESU 5

April, 2023

Written by: Shelby Glaser and Courtney Schendt 


The School Psychology Department is so proud of the continuous expansion of their roles throughout the school districts. The School Psychology department has put efforts toward advocacy, support, and expansion of their role in ESU 5 school districts. 

Who we are and what we do

Traditional role of a school psychologist vs. Comprehensive role of a school psychologist

TRADITIONAL ROLE

  • Evaluation’s only (e.g. testing, interviews, Multidisciplinary Team meetings)

 

COMPREHENSIVE ROLE

  • Our school psychologists assist with consultation & collaboration, school safety, mental & behavioral health services, academic interventions & supports, equitable practices, promoting evidence-based practice, school-wide services to promote learning, and much more!

  • Our school psychologists are active members of student problem solving teams and help to promote and establish Multi-Tiered Systems of Support.
    • Involvement in Multi-Tiered Systems of Support teams (MTSS), Positive Behavioral Interventions of Support (PBIS), and Student Assistance Teams (SAT)
  • School districts have been receptive and welcoming of the expanded role of school psychologists

 

The School Psychology Department sent out a survey to school districts in order to assess their level of satisfaction with their ESU 5 school psychologist. The results of this survey indicated that Resource teachers at (8/8) school districts reported being majority “Satisfied” or “Very Satisfied” with the comprehensive practice of their school psychologist. 

This expansion of the school psychologist role within the school districts, in turn can help

* promote the use of evidenced-based interventions

* promote positive behavior and mental health

* support diverse learners, strengthen family-school partnerships

* strengthen the use of  evidenced based practices

* encourage and support continuous improvement in systems

* empowering teachers/ school staff 

* improve school-wide assessment and accountability

* promote a problem-solving mindset

 

The School Psychology Department is incredibly proud of the progress the school districts have made and is looking forward to a bright future ahead as the program continues to expand.

 

Who are School Psychologists

 

I am so grateful that the ESU had so many specialists to work with my son, because now I know what to do to help my child with autism. The speech pathologist and occupational therapist from the ESU have allowed him to gain more than I ever expected him to. I don’t know what I would have done without them.
Parent
The best part of working at ESU 5 is the people I work with!
ESU 5 Staff Member
ESU 5 is a wonderful place to work! My co-workers are helpful, friendly and supportive.
ESU 5 Staff Member