What is the primary focus of the consultative-centered model in a school psychology setting?

The consultative-centered model in a school psychology setting primarily focuses on improving the skills and competence of the consultee, which is often a teacher or another school personnel. This model emphasizes collaboration between the school psychologist and the consultee to facilitate better outcomes for students through enhanced professional development and problem-solving strategies.

In this model, the school psychologist's role is to empower the consultee by providing them with the knowledge, tools, and support necessary to address student-related issues effectively. This may involve helping the consultee develop new interventions, refine their teaching strategies, or gain insights into behavioral management, all contributing to an overall improvement in the educational environment.

The emphasis is on building the consultee's capacity to handle challenges independently, thereby fostering a more sustainable and effective approach to student support over time. This stands in contrast to models that may focus more directly on the students or classroom dynamics, as the consultative-centered model values equipping educators with the skills to support their students in the long haul.