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SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGISTS: WHERE ARE THEY
IN PHYSICAL EDUCATION?
by Kayla
Johanson, pelinks4u Editorial
Assistant
 According
to the National
Association of School Psychologist
(NASP) the role of a school psychologist
is to: "help children and youth
succeed academically, socially, behaviorally,
and emotionally. They collaborate with
educators, parents, and other professional
to create safe, healthy, and supportive
learning environments that strengthen
connections between home, school, and
the community for all students."
 As
a first year school psychology graduate
student, I'm intrigued as to how school
psychologists can positively impact
today's young people. How can we better
help children to develop socially, emotionally,
and academically? What I've noticed
is that there is seldom a connection
between school psychologists and school
physical educators. This leads me to
wonder; what role can school psychologists
play in helping students physically?
Physical education classes have long
been a favorite subject for many students.
Physical education is a place where
students can take a break from reading,
writing, sitting in a cramped desk,
and move around without facing the penalty
of being out of their seat. Physical
education offers students an environment
where, among other things, they can
learn about health and fitness, exercise,
build social skills, have fun, and develop
motor skills. Physical education should
be an inviting, enjoyable, active environment
where all students are given the opportunity
to grow and develop both physically
and mentally. Sadly, this goal isn't
easily accomplished. In today's school
environment, physical education teachers
often have to overcome many hurdles
to successfully connect with their students.
These challenges can be overwhelming,
time consuming, and frustrating.
For some reason school psychologists
commonly are overlooked when addressing
student participation in physical education.
It's actually common for skills offered
by them to be overlooked in most school
settings: help in general education
classrooms, hallways, the lunch room,
and about everywhere. However, when
'thinking physical education,' there
are several ways that school psychologists
can be useful. Here are some examples.
Activity Modifications
 Some
students can only succeed with effective
modifications to equipment and how they're
expected to perform. Phys. Ed. teachers,
without adaptive physical education
knowledge and skills, should consider
seeking advice from their school psychologist.
Students with disabilities may perform
better in class with appropriate adjustments
to instructions, games, and class structure
and organization. Small changes may
make a 'world of difference' in allowing
a student to successfully learn and
to perform. Small changes can have a
welcome and positive impact on the learning
process, for particular students who
need adjustments, and possibly for the
whole class.
Physical educators should be aware
that advise sought from the school psychologist
is not limited to just students in special
education. Many general education students
may also benefit from slight adjustments.
Just because a student doesn't have
an IEP
(Individualized Education Plan), a BIP
(Behavior Intervention Plan), or a 504
plan doesn't mean that they wouldn't
benefit from a bit of 'fine-tuning'
to their learning process and/or environment.
Student Behavior
 Teacher
and administrator concerns about student
behavior are a constant frustration.
Teachers often rate behavioral problems
as their number one stressor. Despite
a different type of environment, the
physical education classroom isn't immune
to issues with misbehavior. A school
psychologist can collaborate with the
P.E. teacher, and together they work
on a plan to address problem behavior.
For example, the psychologist can work
with the P.E. teacher to create specialized
interventions to be used for a specific
child, for a class, or for the whole
physical education department.
Interventions can be specifically
created to meet the needs of the class
as a whole, and to help the class work
toward meeting targeted behaviors. The
school psychologist can offer suggestions
for changes in the class environment
that can lessen distractions that possibly
trigger undesirable behavior. When behavior
problems decrease and targeted behaviors
increase, students are allowed to enjoy
learn and be active while enjoying what
they're learning. A big "plus"
for instilling the love of physical
activity in your students!
 Athletics
A school psychologist's role isn't
limited to activities during school
hours. Coaches may also benefit from
advice given by their school psych.
There may be students who receive special
services during school hours, but are
involved in extracurricular sports.
Coaches may improve team performance,
and increase communication with team
members, when specific needs are dealt
with. Collaboration with their school
psychologist may help. Simple modifications
may make a world of difference in team
performance and interaction.
Summary
There are multiple ways a physical education
class may benefit through collaboration
between a physical educator and the
school psychologist. Physical education
is a favorite class for many students,
and the P.E. teacher may be their favorite
teacher. Your class may benefit through
teamwork with another professional in
your school.
additional information:
Bio: In 2010,
Kayla Johanson graduated from Central
Washington University with a Bachelor
of Arts degree in Psychology and Sociology.
After much consideration, Kayla decided
to pursue a career as a School Psychologist
in order to join the force of professionals
striving to help children learn and
grow. Currently in her first year as
a graduate student at Central Washington
University in the School Psychology
program, she hopes to one day become
a positive resource for parents, teachers,
and students.
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