The ISSP & Pathways Commission Report - Government of ...

• meet the requirements stipulated in the Act to provide for the Registration ofPsychologists (which requires two assessment courses).Psychologists possess no required courses in inclusive education, curriculumdevelopment or differentiated instruction, and often have little teaching experience.While they are well trained in assessment, the Commission has concern that this isnot a dominant component of their current duties. In fact, the Commission heardconcern for the actual duties of psychologists and their lack of training in specialeducation. Most people described the psychologist as being the staff member whohandles the documentation and record–keeping at the district level, both of whichclearly hold limited significance or utility in providing services to students. Givenprevious concerns for limited guidance and counselling services, the Commissionfeels that the expertise of psychologists can be more effectively channelled at theschool level. The Commission noted the irony that psychologists tend to consult onthe one area that they have little training in: adapting instruction andaccommodating learning needs. Table 22 reflects the opinion of teachers on theperceived helpfulness of these positions, 55.8% of teachers seeing this role as notbeing particularly helpful.Focusing on Students:A Report of the ISSP & Pathways Commission107