Occupation Profile for School Psychologists

Investigate processes of learning and teaching and develop psychological principles and techniques applicable to educational problems.

About 34 percent of psychologists are self-employed, compared with only 8 percent of all workers.
Competition for admission to graduate psychology programs is keen.
Overall employment of psychologists is expected to grow faster than average.
Job prospects should be the best for people who have a doctoral degree in an applied specialty, such as counseling or health, and those with a specialist or doctoral degree in school psychology.

Core — Compile and interpret students' test results, along with information from teachers and parents, to diagnose conditions, and to help assess eligibility for special services.
Core — Assess an individual child's needs, limitations, and potential, using observation, review of school records, and consultation with parents and school personnel.
Core — Report any pertinent information to the proper authorities in cases of child endangerment, neglect, or abuse.
Core — Select, administer, and score psychological tests.
Core — Provide consultation to parents, teachers, administrators, and others on topics such as learning styles and behavior modification techniques.

Getting Information — Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
Making Decisions and Solving Problems — Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others — Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships — Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
Analyzing Data or Information — Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.