If initial interventions prove unsuccessful, multidisciplinary team members may decide that an evaluation of a student is necessary. School Psychologists can evaluate students in the areas of intelligence, academic functioning, perceptual-motor functioning, behavior and personal adjustment. School Psychologists can also provide inservice training and parent education in the areas of self-esteem, parenting skills, special education, behavior management, child development and other related topics. Several Mississippi Bend AEA School Psychologists have done individual research on common childhood problems in order to provide insight and intervention recommendations for students, parents, teachers and administrators. Children from birth through age twenty-one who are having developmental, learning, behavioral or emotional problems may receive services from School Psychologists.
Many services are also available to meet the needs of parents, teachers and other school personnel.
Mississippi Bend AEA School Psychologists work in schools on a regularly scheduled basis. To work in Iowa, School Psychologists must be licensed by the Board of Educational Examiners. The minimum requirement for licensure is a 60 hour Master's degree including a practicum in the schools. Many Mississippi Bend AEA School Psychologists have more advanced degrees and specialized training in a variety of areas. School Psychologists adhere to the professional standards and Code of Ethics of the National Association of School Psychologists and the American Psychological Association.