Tag - School Psychologists

Why School Psychologists need to assess for trauma during evaluation

Educators and mental health professionals have grown increasingly concerned about the exposure to and experience of trauma among children and adolescents. In a school setting, childhood adversity and trauma are associated with lower achievement, truancy and dropout, behavioral problems, mental illness, neurobiological changes, and difficulty managing emotions and social relationships...

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The unique psychological needs of gifted and talented students

The National Association of Gifted and Talented Students (NAGC), states that students with gifts and talents perform—or have the capability to perform—at higher levels compared to others of the same age, experience, and environment in one or more domains. However, gifted and talented students may also face unique challenges with...

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The sofa is mocking me and other tests of resilience

“Summer,” for me, the word brings with it visions of long lazy days, sunshine, and splashing at the pool. Almost as soon as it starts, I also feel the existential dread that it will end too soon. This feeling is one many of my fellow educators share. Summer never seems...

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A school psychologist looks on and makes notes as a student completes a puzzle

How can school psychologists use performance validity testing to provide more accurate assessments of students?

Understanding performance validity is important any time maximum performance tests are used (e.g., tests of intelligence, aptitude, achievement, and/or neuropsychological performance). Knowing if a student has given their best effort during assessment is critical to the accuracy of test score interpretation. This need has long been recognized in adults; however,...

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Must have assessments for school psychologists evaluating ADHD

Assessing ADHD can feel like a monumental task. But when mental health practitioners responsible for the assessment, monitoring, and treatment of ADHD have the right tools and resources, they can make better data-based decisions that lead to better outcomes for the individual being assessed. Why is ADHD so challenging to address? ADHD...

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