What is the first step a school psychologist should take when helping teachers set academic goals?

The first step a school psychologist should take when assisting teachers in setting academic goals involves examining the data to prioritize areas of need. This step is crucial because it helps to identify specific academic weaknesses or gaps in student performance, which can then inform the goal-setting process. By analyzing data, the psychologist can pinpoint which areas require immediate attention and ensure that the goals set are both relevant and aligned with the needs of the students.

Prioritizing areas of need allows for a more targeted approach to setting academic goals. It ensures that the goals are based on concrete evidence rather than assumptions. This approach can lead to more effective interventions and ultimately help improve student outcomes. By starting with data analysis, the school psychologist can provide a solid foundation for subsequent steps, such as determining appropriate differentiation strategies or establishing growth benchmarks that are tailored to the identified needs of the students.