School Psychologist PD Glossary
This school psychologist PD glossary provides clear, practitioner-focused definitions of essential terms, concepts, and practices used in school psychology. Designed specifically for professionals working in K–12 settings, this glossary supports school psychologists seeking to strengthen their knowledge, align with NASP Domains of Practice, and engage in high-quality continuing professional development (CPD) for NCSP renewal.
School psychology practice spans assessment, consultation, intervention, mental health services, and systems-level work. As expectations, ethical standards, and student needs continue to evolve, having a shared understanding of professional terminology is essential. This glossary serves as a practical reference for commonly used school psychology terms, helping practitioners communicate clearly, apply evidence-based practices, and make informed decisions in their daily work.
The terms included reflect core areas of school-based practice, including data-based decision making, ethical responsibilities, culturally responsive service delivery, and collaboration with educators and families. Definitions are written in clear, accessible language while maintaining professional accuracy and relevance. Whether you are reviewing foundational concepts or clarifying specific terminology encountered in professional development courses, reports, or team meetings, this glossary is designed to support applied learning.
Bookmark this page — we update it regularly with new definitions based on the latest research and practice guidelines.
- Assessment
- Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP)
- Confidentiality
- Consultation
- Consultation and Collaboration in School Psychology
- Crisis Prevention and Intervention
- Culturally Responsive Assessment
- Culturally Responsive Practice
- Data-Based Decision Making
- Data-Driven Intervention Planning
- DEI Training for School Psychologists
- Disproportionality in Special Education
- Equity
- Ethical Decision-Making
- Ethical Documentation Practices
- Ethics Training for School Psychologists
- Evidence-Based Practice
- Evidence-Based School Psychology Practice
- Functional Behavioral Assessment (FBA)
- Informed Consent
- Mental Health Interventions in Schools
- Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS)
- NASP Domains of Practice
- NASP-Aligned Professional Development
- NCSP (Nationally Certified School Psychologist)
- NCSP Continuing Professional Development (CPD)
- Progress Monitoring
- Response to Intervention (RTI)
- School Climate and Safety
- School Psychologist Professional Development (PD)
- School-Based Counseling Interventions
- Social-Emotional Behavioral Assessment
- Social-Emotional Learning (SEL)
- Systems-Level Practice
- Threat Assessment
- Tier 1 Behavioral Supports
- Tier 2 Interventions
- Tier 3 Intensive Interventions
- Trauma-Informed Practice
- Universal Mental Health Screening
- Universal Screening