As a school psychologist, you have a unique opportunity to promote social and racial justice and help keep your kids safe. Here’s how you can implement best practices that break down systematic barriers for students, families, and communities. 

<p>
  The deaths of George Floyd and countless other African Americans across our
  nation have brought the social and racial injustices that have affected Black
  communities to the forefront of the news and social media.
</p>

<p>
  The National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) has identified the
  advancement of social justice as an
  <a
    href="https://www.nasponline.org/about-school-psychology/media-room/press-releases/nasp-calls-for-action-to-end-racism-and-violence-against-people-of-color?fbclid=IwAR016C8sG3XzJXs7LyvMKt6jaQmop6O4tmsb0blU5zWcMA3OjSqJCePZzko"
    >ethical obligation of school psychologists</a
  >. School psychologists have a powerful opportunity to address these issues,
  both by serving individual students and by supporting schools to implement
  best practices that break down systematic barriers for our students, their
  families, and their communities.
</p>

<h2>Social Justice Tips for School Psychologists</h2>

<p>
  Here&rsquo;s how school psychologists can actively address issues of social
  and racial injustices in our schools:
</p>

<h3>
  1) Learn about and discuss the impacts of historical and systematic racism
  with students and other school personnel.
</h3>

<p>
  a)
  <em
    >Gain a better understanding of your students, the community you serve, and
    the issues they face</em
  ><br />
  b) <em>Gain a better </em
  ><a
    href="https://www.nasponline.org/resources-and-publications/resources-and-podcasts/diversity/social-justice"
    ><em>understanding of yourself</em></a
  ><em>, your beliefs, biases, privileges, and responses</em>
</p>

<h3>
  2) Advocate against policies that have added to racial disparities within
  school systems.
</h3>

<p>
  a) <em>End Zero Tolerance Practices and implement </em
  ><a
    href="https://www.edutopia.org/blog/restorative-justice-resources-matt-davis"
    ><em>Restorative Practices</em></a
  >
</p>

<h3>
  3) Implement explicit lessons about race, trauma, and conflict resolution, and
  share these lessons with teachers.
</h3>

<p>
  a)<a href="https://socialjusticebooks.org/booklists/"
    ><em>Best Books on Social Justice</em></a
  ><br />
  b)
  <a
    href="https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/3721.Best_Multicultural_Books_for_Children"
    ><em>Best Multicultural Books</em></a
  >
</p>

<h3>
  4) Help your school build community partnerships that provide resources to
  families in need
</h3>

<p>
  a) <em>Establish a connection to outside mental health services</em><br />
  b) <em>Donate and partner with </em
  ><a
    href="http://www.racialequityresourceguide.org/organizations/organizations/sectionFilter/Racial%20Healing"
    ><em>organizations</em></a
  ><em> that combat racism and inequality </em>
</p>

<p>
  Thank you for your continued support and dedication. We appreciate your
  ongoing commitment to ensuring that all students attend schools and live in
  communities that are safe, stimulating, and supportive!
</p>


How School Psychologists Can Combat Racial Injustice and Help Keep All Kids Safe