Educational Diagnostician vs. School Psychologist: What Are the Differences?

Educational diagnosticians and school psychologists are both professionals who work with students to help them succeed academically. They share some similarities, but there are also several key differences between these two roles. In this article, we discuss the similarities and differences between educational diagnosticians and school psychologists, and we provide additional information about each profession.

What is an Educational Diagnostician?

An Educational Diagnostician is a professional who specializes in assessing and diagnosing learning disabilities in children and adolescents. They use a variety of testing methods to evaluate a student’s academic skills, cognitive abilities and social-emotional functioning. Based on their findings, they develop an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) to address the student’s needs. They also work with teachers and parents to implement the IEP and track the student’s progress. Educational Diagnosticians typically work in schools, but some may also work in private practices or clinics.

What is a School Psychologist?

School Psychologists work in educational settings to support students’ social, emotional and behavioral development. They collaborate with school staff, families and outside mental health professionals to create safe, supportive learning environments. School Psychologists conduct psychological assessments to identify students’ strengths and needs. They also develop and implement individualized plans to help students overcome challenges. In addition, School Psychologists provide guidance to teachers on how to effectively manage classrooms and support all students’ learning. They also work with families to support their child’s development and success in school.

Educational Diagnostician vs. School Psychologist

Here are the main differences between an educational diagnostician and a school psychologist.

Job Duties

Educational diagnosticians and school psychologists fulfill different roles within their work. School psychologists undergo extensive training to understand how developmental stages affect learning, behavior and emotions in children of various ages. They then use this knowledge to identify ways that schools can help students overcome challenges related to these issues. In contrast, educational diagnosticians evaluate the effectiveness of educational programs rather than individual students. Their job is to determine whether a particular program is helping students learn as expected or if there are improvements that need to be made to maximize efficiency.

Job Requirements

School psychologists typically need a master’s degree or doctorate in psychology, although some entry-level positions may only require a bachelor’s degree. These programs usually take two to four years to complete and include coursework on topics like child development, assessment methods and counseling techniques. Many school psychologists also pursue certification through the American Board of School Psychology (ABSP). To earn this credential, candidates must have a graduate degree, complete an internship and pass a written exam.

Educational diagnosticians often need a master’s degree in special education, educational psychology or a related field. These programs typically take two to three years to complete and include coursework on topics like assessment methods, learning disabilities and behavior disorders. Educational diagnosticians might also pursue certification through the American Academy of Special Education Professionals (AASEP). To earn this credential, candidates must have a master’s degree, complete an internship and pass a written exam.

Work Environment

School psychologists work in a variety of environments, depending on the needs of their school district. They may spend time in classrooms observing students and teachers to identify learning disabilities or behavioral issues that can be addressed through therapy. School psychologists also spend time with administrators to discuss student progress and collaborate on plans for improvement.

Educational diagnosticians typically work in an office environment where they conduct assessments and evaluate data. They may travel to schools to administer tests and observe students as part of their evaluations.

Skills

Educational diagnosticians and school psychologists both work with students to help them overcome academic challenges. They use similar skills, such as active listening, critical thinking and observation, to assess each student’s individual needs.

However, educational diagnosticians focus on identifying learning disabilities and other disorders that may be impacting a student’s ability to succeed in school. They use diagnostic tools, such as intelligence tests and achievement tests, to gather information about a student’s cognitive abilities and academic performance. This information is then used to develop an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) that outlines specific accommodations and interventions that will help the student succeed.

School psychologists also use assessment tools to evaluate students, but their focus is on emotional and behavioral issues. In addition to using standardized tests, they may also observe students in the classroom or talk to teachers and parents to get a complete picture of the student’s social and emotional functioning. Based on their assessments, school psychologists may provide counseling services to students or consult with teachers and parents on how to best support the student.

Salary

The average salary for an educational diagnostician is $71,453 per year, while the average salary for a school psychologist is $78,120 per year. Both of these salaries can vary depending on the state in which you work, the school district you work for and the level of education you have.