A systems and developmental perspective is integral to delivery of effective school psychological services. The school psychologist is the person on the educational team responsible for integrating and explaining information and influences on children's development. A holistic view of an individual is dependent upon appreciating and understanding the interrelationships of these worlds and their mutual influences and reciprocal effects. Schools, homes, and communities are critically important settings that influence the development and academic, social, and behavioral competence of children and youth. A shared responsibility among schools, home, and community for educational outcomes is emphasized.
Schools play a primary nurturing and socializing role in an increasingly complex world.
Delivery of school psychological services is based on rigorous scientific methods of study and objective, reliable data collection. The scientific credibility of theories, measures, techniques, and intervention strategies must be established prior to their implementation. Science and practice are integrated. Program development, consultation, research, and evaluation are major roles of school psychologists. Assessment and intervention are primary functions of school psychologists.