Academic psychologists, or school counselors, support students’ psychological needs related to academic challenges, learning styles, social interactions, and potential learning difficulties. They coordinate with students, parents, teachers, and stakeholders to develop treatment plans and school-wide programs, and may also be responsible for developing Individualized Educational Plans for students with learning difficulties or behavioral problems. They also serve as a point of reference for teachers, principals, and parents seeking answers to a child’s poor performance or behavioral problems.
An academic psychologist, also known formally as a school counselor, works in an elementary, middle, or high school to support the psychological needs of children related to their academic challenges, learning styles, peer social interactions, home environments, and potential learning difficulties. learning. The term academic psychologist distinguishes school counselors prepared with training and education in psychology and counseling, as opposed to counselors with a background in social work. Academic psychologists coordinate the actions and goals of students, parents, teachers, and other stakeholders through formal treatment plans and informally. They are often responsible for developing and coordinating school-wide educational programs, such as issues involving bullying or sexual abuse, as well as counseling individual students as they face family challenges or developmental changes. In some school systems, these guidance counselors are also responsible for coordinating the development of Individualized Educational Plans (IEP) for students with learning difficulties or behavioral problems.
Often, an academic psychologist serves as a point of reference for teachers who suspect a learning disability, principals who recognize chronic behavioral problems, or parents seeking answers to their child’s poor performance or dislike of school. After meeting with the child, depending on school system policy, the academic psychologist determines the actions necessary to identify the problem. These actions may consist of external referrals to physicians in the area, such as child psychiatrists; ophthalmologists; ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialists or pediatric neurologists to determine possible organic causes for the difficulties reported by the child. Other assessments are usually carried out within the school or school system and may involve diagnostic tests for learning disabilities or academic tests to assess the child’s current grade-level performance. An academic psychologist will also coordinate the development of a child’s IEP, as well as arrange group meetings between the student, teachers, parents, and other staff to confirm the effectiveness of the plan.
System-wide or school-wide programs on significant social issues may also be the responsibility of an academic psychologist. Based on current issues of concern and administrative direction, an academic psychologist can develop or implement established education and awareness programs on issues such as bullying, sexual abuse, racism or sexism. The details and methods of communicating the message depend on the level of the school—elementary, middle, or high school—and the school’s specific demographics. Collaboration with faculty around these programs throughout the school can further emphasize the message of the program.
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