Psychologists in Schools: The Case of Interdisciplinary Support Committees (ISCs)

The purpose of this paper is to describe the distinct role, responsibilities, duties and obligations of psychologists who work within the framework of the operation of the Interdisciplinary Support Committees (ISCs) of school units. More specifically, an attempt will be made to analyze the role of the psychologist in the process of achieving the basic purpose of the ISCs, namely in the investigation and identification of educational needs, the type of difficulties and possible educational, psychosocial and other barriers to the equal access of students to learning, as well as in the implementation of pedagogical, educational and other support measures for all students of the school community, including students with disabilities and/or special learning needs. The psychologist, within the framework of the interdisciplinary approach and cooperation with the other members of the ISC, but also the school community in general, is called upon to co-shape individual or group programs of information, awareness raising, prevention, early psycho-pedagogical intervention, counseling support and training activities for students, parents and educators with the aim of empowering the school unit to function supportively for all students without discrimination.