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THE SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGY TEAM
THE PURPOSE OF THE SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGY TEAM
The School Psychology Team provides specialist support to all Government schools, pre-schools, and specified non-government schools. Its purpose is to assist schools to improve the learning outcomes of all students.
In the Pilbara District, support is allocated on the basis of district and school priorities stated in terms of Service Agreements.
HOW THE SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGY TEAM ASSISTS SCHOOLS
The School Psychology Team can assist schools with their planning process.
The Department of Education requires schools to:
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identify areas of student performance that cause concern; |
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prioritise these areas; and |
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develop and implement plans and policies to improve the learning and behavioural outcomes of their students. |
School Psychologists assist schools with student learning.
In working with schools they collaborate to establish:
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appropriate learning outcomes; |
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plans to assist effective learning; |
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action plans; and |
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monitoring and evaluation. |
School Psychologists assist schools with student behaviour.
In working with schools they collaborate to establish:
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desired behaviours; |
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strategies to maintain desired behaviour; |
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implementation of action plans; and |
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monitoring and evaluation. |
HOW SCHOOLS CAN MAKE USE OF THE SERVICE
SERVICE AGREEMENTS
The School Psychology Team is used by schools in the area of greatest need, and where it can have maximum impact on student outcomes. School Psychologists assist in determining the most appropriate areas for their involvement in a school. In collaboration with the school, a Service Agreement is developed. The Agreement ensures that all parties are clear about mutual expectations and the service commitment given.
This Agreement makes explicit:
| 1. | areas of concern for the school; |
| 2. | strategies to improve the situation; |
| 3. | the areas of responsibility for all involved; and |
| 4. | desired outcomes from involvement of the School Psychologist, teachers, other involved parties and resources required. |
Service Agreements take two forms.
| a) | a general agreement of the areas that the school requires service (eg. Literacy). |
| b) | a specific agreement for specific programmes. These will take the form of either a plan for a progamme, or a case conference report in the case of individual students. |
HOW TEACHERS CAN MAKE USE OF THE SERVICE
School Psychologists will assist schools using a process that fulfils the requirements of the guiding principles.
| 1. | Teacher discusses the concern with the Administrator who is identified to liaise with the School Psychologist. |
| 2. | Teacher completes "Request for Consultation" and gives it to Administrator. |
| 3. | Teacher and Psychologist meet and discuss strategies and options regarding issue of concern. |
| 4. | Issue is resolved OR Case Conference is called. School staff/Administrator contacts parents. |
Please note: Due to informed consent, students cannot be sent to see a Psychologist without parental permission, which would be obtained during a case conference.
STRATEGIES USED BY THE SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGY SERVICE
Throughout this process, School Psychologists use a variety of strategies to address identified needs.
Some are:
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Counselling |
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Problem solving |
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Consultation and Liaison |
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Clarifying values |
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Using a variety of Psychometric assessments |
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Facilitating school policy development, eg: MSB, Pastoral Care, Academically at Risk |
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Assisting students with personal issues |
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Assisting in developing appropriate Teaching styles |
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Goal-setting |
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Managing individual cases |
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Designing and facilitating workshops |
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Assisting with research design and data collection |
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Analysing educational data |
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Performing third party mediation |