Bermudian Educators' Perceptions of the Role and Functions of School Psychologists

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Acknowledgement

I would take this opportunity to thank my research supervisor, family and friends for their support and guidance without which this research would not have been possible.

Declaration

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Abstract

The purpose of this study is to explore the perceptions of special/regular education teachers and school principals of Bermudian school psychologists' role and function. This research is an exploratory sequential mixed-method study that seeks to develop a clearer understanding of how teachers and school principals perceive and utilize the services provided by the school psychologists. It aims to determine the extent to which the current role of school psychologists is helpful to teachers. The findings of this research will provide information on the aspects of the role that is seen to provide best outcomes for students and ensure the accountability of effective services in the education system of Bermuda. This study will influence decision-making and policy formulation through the provision of empirically-driven feedback regarding the school psychology programme.

Participants include all Learning support teachers and school principals from the 26 public schools in Bermuda. A randomized sample of regular school teachers from each public school will be selected. The participants will be required to complete a revised version of the School Psychology Perception Survey (SPPS) by Gilman & Gabriel (2004). The responses on the survey will pertain to (a) knowledge of school psychology, (b) satisfaction with school psychological services, (c) helpfulness of school psychology services, and (d) an analysis of future desired roles and functions of school psychologists. The survey will require the participants to identify the activities engaged in by the school psychologists that they viewed as most important. The responses of teachers will be grouped according to the degree of teaching experience and amount of contact with school psychologists' role and function.

The study will evaluate the differences between the three groups with respect to their perceptions on knowledge, satisfaction and perceived helpfulness towards school psychological services. Examination of the perceived roles and function that school psychologists are expected to perform across the groups will be conducted. Following the data collection and analysis of the survey, a focus group will set up. The focus group will consist of the five Bermudian school psychologists. The results of the survey will be shared with the focus group of school psychologists. The school psychologists will discuss the implications of the findings of the survey and implications for putting them into practice.

Table of Contents

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTII

DECLARATIONIII

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION1

Background2

Background on Bermuda Educational System2

Teachers' Perceptions of School psychology services in the early Years4

Current perceptions on the role and function of school psychologists6

Research Questions10

Quantitative Research Questions10

Qualitative Research Questions10

The Methodology11

Purpose of the Research11

Research Design11

Target Population/Sample size14

Data Analysis & Collection: Stage ½15

Data Collection ...