Today, the need for school psychologists continue increase. Students are faced with a variety of academic challenges. There are other issues that will affect the student’s performance and success in school such as: mental health problems, family issues, poverty, peer conflicts, disabilities, stress, grief and loss, domestic and community violence, substance abuse. School psychologists play an essential role in student’s achievements in school, academically, mentally and emotionally. For this to be accomplished, schools need highly trained professionals in school psychology.
Although there is a shortage in the school psychologist profession, Whites remain dominant in this field. Studies show that school psychologists who make up the NASP organization, National Association of School Psychologists are …show more content…
In 2012, surveys show that NASP members that are white totaled at 90.7 %. The remaining percentage included: African American, 1.3%, Asian/Pacific Islander, 0.6% classified as Native American/ Alaskan Native, and 3.4% classified as Hispanic/Latino. Demographics overall show that beyond the NASP membership, Whites are majority in the sub-field, indicating racially and ethnically diversity at an all-time low. The disproportionately low number of minority school psychologists has been a longstanding issue within the field (McIntosh, 2004, p. 412). There is a shortage in minority school psychologists, particular African Americans. Why is there such a shortage among African American school psychologists? (Truscott, 2014, p. 366). Factors that contribute to the shortage of shortages of African American psychologists and other minorities include: poor outreach recruitment and retention programs for minorities. African Americans tend to be the largest minority in professional work settings (both school and work). There is a lack of minorities seen in facility staff and role models, students are unable to identify with others like them.
Although there is a shortage in the school psychologist profession, Whites remain dominant in this field. Studies show that school psychologists who make up the NASP organization, National Association of School Psychologists are …show more content…
In 2012, surveys show that NASP members that are white totaled at 90.7 %. The remaining percentage included: African American, 1.3%, Asian/Pacific Islander, 0.6% classified as Native American/ Alaskan Native, and 3.4% classified as Hispanic/Latino. Demographics overall show that beyond the NASP membership, Whites are majority in the sub-field, indicating racially and ethnically diversity at an all-time low. The disproportionately low number of minority school psychologists has been a longstanding issue within the field (McIntosh, 2004, p. 412). There is a shortage in minority school psychologists, particular African Americans. Why is there such a shortage among African American school psychologists? (Truscott, 2014, p. 366). Factors that contribute to the shortage of shortages of African American psychologists and other minorities include: poor outreach recruitment and retention programs for minorities. African Americans tend to be the largest minority in professional work settings (both school and work). There is a lack of minorities seen in facility staff and role models, students are unable to identify with others like them.