psych






The National Association of School Psychologists supports that school psychologists help children and youth succeed academically, socially, behaviorally, and emotionally. They collaborate with educators, parents, and other professionals to create safe, healthy, and supportive learning environments that strengthen connections between home, school, and the community for all students. School psychologists are highly trained in both psychology and education, having completed a graduate degree program that includes a year-long supervised internship. This training emphasizes preparation in mental health and educational interventions, child development, learning, behavior, motivation, curriculum and instruction, assessment, consultation, collaboration, school law, and systems. School psychologists must be certified and/or licensed by the state in which they work. In Tennessee, school psychologists are licensed and endorsed by the Tennessee Department of Education.

Hamilton County Schools is staffed with forty school psychologists that serve our elementary, middle, and high schools. In addition, Hamilton County provides assessment services to the district’s preschool students, students that attend private and charter schools, as well as those that participate in homeschool programs. The school psychologists in Hamilton County strive to enhance the learning environment of all students through assessment, implementation of interventions and data-driven decision making, collaboration with parents, students, and educational stakeholders, as well as transition planning. They consistently participate in professional development activities that allow them to enhance their knowledge of best practices related to instruction, psychological-educational assessment, and intervention.

For students enrolled in Hamilton County school, please contact your principal

Other inquiries should be directed to:
Dr. Arica Austin
Director of Eligibility and Evaluation

 


Documents & Links

National Association for School Psychologist
NASP’s mission is to empower school psychologists by advancing effective practices to improve students’ learning, behavior, and mental health. This website provides a number of resources for educators, assessment specialists, and families related to topics that range from mental health to diversity issues.

Tennessee Board of Education: Special Education Assessment
A direct link with the special education assessment section of the TDOE website, parents and educators can access information disability specific state standards.