Occupation AtlasSchool Psychologists

O*NET · 19-3034.00

School Psychologists

Diagnose and implement individual or schoolwide interventions or strategies to address educational, behavioral, or developmental issues that adversely impact educational functioning in a school. May address student learning and behavioral problems and counsel students or families. May design and implement performance plans, and evaluate performance. May consult with other school-based personnel.

Also called Area School Psychologist · Autism Consultant · Bilingual School Psychologist · Certified School Psychologist · Challenging Behavior Consultant · Child Psychologist · Child Psychometrist · Contract School Psychologist
14 more

Counseling Psychologist · Early Intervention School Psychologist · Educational Diagnostician · Educational Psychologist · Elementary School Psychologist · K-12 School Psychologist · K-12 School Psychologist (Kindergarten Through Twelfth Grade School Psychologist) · Preliminary School Psychologist · School Neuropsychologist · School Psychological Examiner · School Psychology Licensed Specialist · School Psychology Specialist · School Psychometrist · Teletherapy School Psychologist

Job Zone 5 — Extensive Preparation NeededHolland code SIC35 skills on file

Compare with another occupationCompare with Clinical and Counseling Psychologists

Job Zone

  1. 1
  2. 2
  3. 3
  4. 4
  5. 5

Zone 5: Extensive Preparation Needed

Extensive preparation. Usually a graduate degree, with extensive skill, knowledge and experience — many of these occupations expect more than five years of experience.

Job Zone is O*NET's rating of how much education, experience and training an occupation typically needs — a property of the work, not of anyone doing it.

Occupational interest profile

SICSocial · Investigative · Conventional — the three strongest interests, in order

  • S Social6.77
  • I Investigative5.00
  • C Conventional4.01
  • A Artistic3.31
  • E Enterprising2.82
  • R Realistic1.00

RIASEC (Holland) interests on O*NET's 0–7 scale: what the work draws on, not what any individual prefers. Hover a row for what each dimension means.

Education and experience

The education level respondents say the job requires, and the most common answer for experience and training.

  • Master's Degree23%
  • Post-Master's Certificate58%
  • First Professional Degree15%
  • Doctoral Degree4%
Related work experience
Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years (42%)
On-site or in-plant training
None (31%)
On-the-job training
Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year (50%)

Typically associated skills

All 35 O*NET skills, most important first. Importance (1–5) says how much a skill matters here; level (0–7) says how much of it the work calls for, with O*NET's example of a nearby level. Neither is a proficiency rating of a person.

  • Reading ComprehensionbasicImportance 4.6Level 4.9Level 4 looks like: Understand an email from management describing new personnel policies
  • SpeakingbasicImportance 4.6Level 4.5Level 4 looks like: Interview applicants to obtain personal and work history
  • Active ListeningbasicImportance 4.5Level 4.9Level 4 looks like: Answer inquiries regarding credit references
  • Social PerceptivenessImportance 4.3Level 5.1Level 6 looks like: Counsel patients who are depressed during a crisis period
  • WritingbasicImportance 4.1Level 4.5Level 4 looks like: Write an email to staff outlining new directives
  • Critical ThinkingbasicImportance 4.1Level 4.3Level 4 looks like: Evaluate customer complaints and determine appropriate responses
  • MonitoringbasicImportance 4.0Level 4.3Level 4 looks like: Monitor a meeting and revise the agenda to ensure important topics are discussed
  • Complex Problem SolvingImportance 4.0Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Redesign a floor layout to take advantage of new manufacturing techniques
  • Judgment and Decision MakingImportance 4.0Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Evaluate a loan application for degree of risk
  • Learning StrategiesbasicImportance 3.9Level 4.3Level 4 looks like: Identify an alternative approach to help trainees who are having difficulties
  • Active LearningbasicImportance 3.9Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Determine the impact of new menu changes on a restaurant's purchasing requirements
  • Service OrientationImportance 3.9Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Make flight reservations for customers using an online booking site
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Tasks

19 core

What people in this occupation do, as O*NET records it, core tasks first by importance (1–5).

  1. Report any pertinent information to the proper authorities in cases of child endangerment, neglect, or abuse.Importance 4.8
  2. Maintain student records, including special education reports, confidential records, records of services provided, and behavioral data.Importance 4.8
  3. Interpret test results and prepare psychological reports for teachers, administrators, and parents.Importance 4.8
  4. Compile and interpret students' test results, along with information from teachers and parents, to diagnose conditions and to help assess eligibility for special services.Importance 4.7
  5. Collaborate with other educational professionals to develop teaching strategies and school programs.Importance 4.6
  6. Select, administer, and score psychological tests.Importance 4.5
  7. Assess an individual child's needs, limitations, and potential, using observation, review of school records, and consultation with parents and school personnel.Importance 4.4
  8. Initiate and direct efforts to foster tolerance, understanding, and appreciation of diversity in school communities.Importance 4.4
  9. Collect and analyze data to evaluate the effectiveness of academic programs and other services, such as behavioral management systems.Importance 4.4
  10. Provide consultation to parents, teachers, administrators, and others on topics such as learning styles and behavior modification techniques.Importance 4.3
  11. Promote an understanding of child development and its relationship to learning and behavior.Importance 4.3
  12. Develop individualized educational plans in collaboration with teachers and other staff members.Importance 4.3
Show the other 7
  1. Attend workshops, seminars, or professional meetings to remain informed of new developments in school psychology.Importance 4.2
  2. Counsel children and families to help solve conflicts and problems in learning and adjustment.Importance 4.1
  3. Serve as a resource to help families and schools deal with crises, such as separation and loss.Importance 4.0
  4. Refer students and their families to appropriate community agencies for medical, vocational, or social services.Importance 3.9
  5. Provide educational programs on topics such as classroom management, teaching strategies, or parenting skills.Importance 3.7
  6. Design classes and programs to meet the needs of special students.Importance 3.6
  7. Conduct research to generate new knowledge that can be used to address learning and behavior issues.Importance 3.1

Knowledge

Bodies of knowledge the work draws on.

  • PsychologyImportance 5.0Level 6.4Level 7 looks like: Treat a person with a severe mental illness
  • Therapy and CounselingImportance 4.6Level 6.3Level 7 looks like: Counsel an abused child
  • Education and TrainingImportance 4.4Level 5.4Level 4 looks like: Lead a quality improvement seminar
  • English LanguageImportance 4.0Level 4.9Level 4 looks like: Edit an article for a news website
  • Customer and Personal ServiceImportance 3.7Level 4.5Level 4 looks like: Be responsible for 10 children at daycare
  • Law and GovernmentImportance 3.6Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Prepare documents and title papers for the purchase of a new house
  • Sociology and AnthropologyImportance 3.6Level 4.4Level 4 looks like: Write an article about cultural differences
  • AdministrativeImportance 3.5Level 4.7Level 4 looks like: Type 30 words per minute
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  • MathematicsImportance 3.2Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Analyze data to determine areas with the highest sales
  • Administration and ManagementImportance 2.7Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Monitor progress of a project to ensure timely completion
  • Computers and ElectronicsImportance 2.7Level 3.0Level 4 looks like: Use a computer to format a document
  • Public Safety and SecurityImportance 2.6Level 2.5Level 1 looks like: Use a seatbelt
  • Philosophy and TheologyImportance 2.4Level 2.8
  • Foreign LanguageImportance 2.1Level 2.0Level 1 looks like: Say "please" and "thank you" in a foreign language
  • Personnel and Human ResourcesImportance 2.1Level 2.3Level 1 looks like: Fill out a medical claim form
  • Communications and MediaImportance 2.0Level 1.5Level 1 looks like: Write a thank you note
  • Medicine and DentistryImportance 1.9Level 1.8Level 1 looks like: Use a band-aid
  • BiologyImportance 1.8Level 1.6Level 1 looks like: Feed domestic animals
  • TelecommunicationsImportance 1.7Level 0.8Level 1 looks like: Send an email
  • History and ArcheologyImportance 1.5Level 1.1Level 1 looks like: Take a class in US history
  • GeographyImportance 1.4Level —
  • TransportationImportance 1.4Level 0.6Level 1 looks like: Ride a train to work
  • Economics and AccountingImportance 1.3Level —
  • DesignImportance 1.2Level —
  • Engineering and TechnologyImportance 1.2Level —
  • Fine ArtsImportance 1.2Level —
  • Production and ProcessingImportance 1.2Level —
  • Sales and MarketingImportance 1.2Level —
  • Building and ConstructionImportance 1.0Level —
  • ChemistryImportance 1.0Level —
  • Food ProductionImportance 1.0Level —
  • MechanicalImportance 1.0Level —
  • PhysicsImportance 1.0Level —

Abilities

Enduring capacities the work calls for.

  • Oral ComprehensionImportance 4.6Level 4.9Level 4 looks like: Understand a coach's oral instructions for a sport
  • Oral ExpressionImportance 4.6Level 4.9Level 4 looks like: Give instructions to a lost motorist
  • Written ExpressionImportance 4.4Level 4.9Level 4 looks like: Write a job recommendation for a subordinate
  • Written ComprehensionImportance 4.3Level 4.9Level 4 looks like: Understand an apartment lease
  • Deductive ReasoningImportance 4.1Level 4.3Level 5 looks like: Decide what factors to consider in selecting stocks
  • Inductive ReasoningImportance 4.1Level 4.5Level 4 looks like: Determine the prime suspect based on crime scene evidence
  • Problem SensitivityImportance 4.1Level 4.4Level 4 looks like: Notice from a subtle difference in a client's mood that something is bothering them
  • Speech ClarityImportance 4.1Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Make stadium-wide announcements during a sporting event
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  • Speech RecognitionImportance 4.0Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Identify a former customer's voice over the phone
  • Near VisionImportance 3.8Level 3.8
  • Category FlexibilityImportance 3.4Level 3.4Level 3 looks like: Classify flowers according to size, color, and smell
  • Information OrderingImportance 3.4Level 3.8Level 2 looks like: Follow the correct steps to make change
  • Fluency of IdeasImportance 3.3Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Think of as many ideas as possible for the name of a new company
  • OriginalityImportance 3.0Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Redesign job tasks to be interesting for employees
  • Selective AttentionImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Answer a business call with coworkers talking nearby
  • Flexibility of ClosureImportance 2.9Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Detect that your phone is ringing while at a concert
  • Mathematical ReasoningImportance 2.9Level 3.0Level 4 looks like: Decide how to calculate profits to determine the amounts of yearly bonuses
  • MemorizationImportance 2.9Level 2.9
  • Time SharingImportance 2.9Level 2.8Level 3 looks like: Watch street signs while driving at 30 miles an hour
  • Far VisionImportance 2.8Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Read the slides on a presentation from across a room
  • Speed of ClosureImportance 2.6Level 2.4Level 3 looks like: Recognize a song after hearing only the first few notes
  • Number FacilityImportance 2.5Level 3.0Level 3 looks like: Calculate a discounted price
  • Perceptual SpeedImportance 2.5Level 2.5Level 2 looks like: Sort mail according to ZIP codes with no time pressure
  • VisualizationImportance 2.1Level 2.1Level 2 looks like: Imagine how to place paper in a printer so that the letterhead comes out on top
  • Auditory AttentionImportance 1.9Level 1.5Level 2 looks like: Listen to a lecture while people nearby are talking
  • Trunk StrengthImportance 1.9Level 1.4Level 2 looks like: Sit up in an office chair
  • Visual Color DiscriminationImportance 1.8Level 1.1Level 1 looks like: Separate laundry into colors and whites
  • Wrist-Finger SpeedImportance 1.6Level 0.6
  • Hearing SensitivityImportance 1.5Level 0.9
  • Static StrengthImportance 1.5Level 0.5Level 1 looks like: Push an empty shopping cart
  • Explosive StrengthImportance 1.4Level 0.4
  • Gross Body CoordinationImportance 1.4Level 0.4
  • Gross Body EquilibriumImportance 1.4Level 0.4
  • Manual DexterityImportance 1.4Level 0.5Level 1 looks like: Screw a light bulb into a light socket
  • Multilimb CoordinationImportance 1.4Level 0.4
  • Reaction TimeImportance 1.4Level 0.4
  • Speed of Limb MovementImportance 1.4Level 0.4
  • StaminaImportance 1.4Level 0.4Level 1 looks like: Walk 1/4 mile
  • Extent FlexibilityImportance 1.3Level —
  • Response OrientationImportance 1.3Level —
  • Dynamic StrengthImportance 1.1Level —
  • Finger DexterityImportance 1.1Level —
  • Spatial OrientationImportance 1.1Level —
  • Arm-Hand SteadinessImportance 1.0Level —
  • Control PrecisionImportance 1.0Level —
  • Depth PerceptionImportance 1.0Level —
  • Dynamic FlexibilityImportance 1.0Level —
  • Glare SensitivityImportance 1.0Level —
  • Night VisionImportance 1.0Level —
  • Peripheral VisionImportance 1.0Level —
  • Rate ControlImportance 1.0Level —
  • Sound LocalizationImportance 1.0Level —

Work activities

Kinds of activity the work is made of.

  • Interpreting the Meaning of Information for OthersImportance 4.7Level 5.5Level 4 looks like: Interpret how foreign tax laws apply to U.S. exports
  • Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsImportance 4.6Level 5.8
  • Making Decisions and Solving ProblemsImportance 4.6Level 5.8
  • Getting InformationImportance 4.5Level 4.9Level 4 looks like: Review a budget
  • Analyzing Data or InformationImportance 4.4Level 5.4Level 4 looks like: Determine the interest cost to finance a new building
  • Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesImportance 4.4Level 5.2Level 4 looks like: Report the results of a sales meeting to a supervisor
  • Documenting/Recording InformationImportance 4.4Level 4.5Level 4 looks like: Document the results of a crime scene investigation
  • Providing Consultation and Advice to OthersImportance 4.3Level 5.5Level 4 looks like: Recommend a new software package to increase operational efficiency
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  • Updating and Using Relevant KnowledgeImportance 4.3Level 5.3Level 4 looks like: Keep current on changes in maintenance procedures for repairing sports cars
  • Working with ComputersImportance 4.3Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Write software for keeping track of parts in inventory
  • Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsImportance 4.2Level 5.0Level 4 looks like: Evaluate a complicated insurance claim for compliance with policy terms
  • Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkImportance 4.2Level 5.1Level 4 looks like: Plan and adjust a personal to-do list according to changing demands
  • Assisting and Caring for OthersImportance 4.0Level 4.8Level 4 looks like: Help a medical patient find in-home assistance or healthcare
  • Processing InformationImportance 4.0Level 4.9Level 4 looks like: Calculate the adjustments for insurance claims
  • Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with OthersImportance 4.0Level 5.0Level 4 looks like: Get two subordinates to agree about vacation schedules
  • Developing and Building TeamsImportance 3.9Level 4.4Level 4 looks like: Lead an assembly team in an automobile plant
  • Communicating with People Outside the OrganizationImportance 3.7Level 4.6Level 4 looks like: Present information to potential clients about available services
  • Developing Objectives and StrategiesImportance 3.6Level 4.2Level 4 looks like: Develop the plan to complete the merger of two organizations over a 3-year period
  • Performing for or Working Directly with the PublicImportance 3.6Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Sell shoes in a crowded shoe store
  • Scheduling Work and ActivitiesImportance 3.6Level 4.4Level 4 looks like: Prepare the work schedule for salesclerks in a large retail store
  • Identifying Objects, Actions, and EventsImportance 3.5Level 4.5Level 4 looks like: Judge the suitability of food products for an event
  • Training and Teaching OthersImportance 3.5Level 4.9Level 4 looks like: Teach a social sciences course to high school students
  • Coaching and Developing OthersImportance 3.4Level 4.5Level 4 looks like: Provide on-the-job training for administrative workers
  • Performing Administrative ActivitiesImportance 3.4Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Complete tax forms for a small business
  • Monitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsImportance 3.3Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Test electrical circuits
  • Thinking CreativelyImportance 3.2Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Adapt popular music for a high school marching band
  • Coordinating the Work and Activities of OthersImportance 3.0Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Organize the cleanup crew after a major sporting event
  • Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or PeopleImportance 3.0Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Determine the value of property lost in a fire
  • Guiding, Directing, and Motivating SubordinatesImportance 2.9Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Manage a small team of employees in a dynamic workplace
  • Selling or Influencing OthersImportance 2.5Level 2.9
  • Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or InformationImportance 2.3Level 2.3Level 1 looks like: Estimate the size of household furniture to be shipped
  • Handling and Moving ObjectsImportance 2.2Level 2.2Level 1 looks like: Change settings on copy machines
  • Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsImportance 2.0Level 1.6Level 1 looks like: Check that doors to building are locked
  • Staffing Organizational UnitsImportance 1.9Level 2.0Level 1 looks like: Work in a position that has minimal staffing requirements
  • Controlling Machines and ProcessesImportance 1.8Level 1.3Level 1 looks like: Operate a cash register
  • Monitoring and Controlling ResourcesImportance 1.8Level 2.0Level 1 looks like: Work as a server responsible for keeping track of utensils
  • Performing General Physical ActivitiesImportance 1.8Level 1.6Level 1 looks like: Walk between workstations in a small office
  • Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or EquipmentImportance 1.3Level 0.5Level 1 looks like: Drive a car
  • Repairing and Maintaining Electronic EquipmentImportance 1.2Level —
  • Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and EquipmentImportance 1.1Level —
  • Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical EquipmentImportance 1.1Level —

Work context

The conditions most characteristic of the work, on O*NET's 1–5 context scale.

  • E-Mail5.0
  • Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams4.9
  • Indoors, Environmentally Controlled4.7
  • Telephone Conversations4.7
  • Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team4.6
  • Freedom to Make Decisions4.5
  • Time Pressure4.5
  • Contact With Others4.4
  • Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals4.4
  • Importance of Being Exact or Accurate4.4

Technology

27 tools

Software used in this work. In demand: among the tools job postings for this occupation name most. Hot: often named in job postings across the economy.

Hot (5)

  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Office software
  • Microsoft PowerPoint
  • Microsoft Word
  • Zoom
Other tools (22)
  • Centris Group IEP Direct
  • Centris Group RTIm Direct
  • Chalkware Education Solutions IEPPro
  • Email software
  • Ewing Solutions QuickWriter
  • Global Education Technologies EXCENT
  • Google Meet
  • Instructional software
  • MediaNet Solutions e-IEP PRO
  • Oasys structural design and analysis software
  • PowerSchool Group PowerSchool SIS
  • Psychsoft !Observe
  • Smart Solutions IEP Anywhere
  • Spectrum K12 School Solutions Encore
  • SpED Forms
  • SunGard Pentamation IEPplus
  • Technical Perspectives CLASS IEP Program
  • Test scoring software
  • Testing software
  • Vision Management Consulting IEP PlaNET
  • Web browser software
  • Xperts iep.online

Related occupations

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ESCO equivalents

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This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license; O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. ESCO occupations and skills are from the European Commission's ESCO classification, and the occupation crosswalk is the official ESCO–O*NET mapping by the ESCO Secretariat with USDOL/ETA. This service uses the ESCO classification of the European Commission. BlissPoint Analytics has modified all or some of this information: skill, task and descriptor ratings are rounded to one decimal, and ESCO occupations show Job Zone and interests copied from a crosswalked O*NET occupation. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.