Intervention

Interventions are planned strategies or actions designed to improve the academic, behavioral, and social performance of children and adolescents. Intervention is considered a core professional activity of school psychologists and includes an assortment of diverse activities that promote positive change.

School psychologists often work with teams composed of school professionals, parents, and community representatives, when necessary, to identify the significant areas of need of students and school communities. The teams then determine the most appropriate intervention; where the intervention should be implemented (e.g., school, home, and/or community environment); and who should carry out, monitor, and adjust the intervention, if necessary (e.g., special education teacher, school counselor, parent or school psychologist).

Interventions should be chosen with consideration given to certain factors (Rathvon, 1999; Telzrow & Beebe, 2002). These factors can include:

• Techniques that alter significant skills or behaviors
• Techniques that have demonstrated or proven effectiveness
• Techniques that are acceptable to the people involved in the intervention
• Techniques that have a proactive emphasis