During consultation with a teacher, what is an effective way for school psychologists to gather initial information about a student?

Asking open-ended questions about the student's behavior is an effective way to gather initial information because it encourages the teacher to provide detailed and descriptive responses regarding their observations. This approach allows the psychologist to capture a broader range of information and insights into the nuances of the student's behavior in the classroom setting. Open-ended questions promote a more natural dialogue, facilitating the exploration of specific instances, patterns, and contexts of the student's actions, feelings, and interactions with peers and adults.

This method enables the psychologist to understand the teacher's perspective and gather qualitative data that can inform subsequent steps in the consultation process. By focusing on the teacher's experiences and opinions, the school psychologist can gain essential insights into the student's strengths, challenges, and any potential factors affecting their behavior, which can be valuable for future planning and intervention strategies.