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Workspace Standards Recommendations
GASP Position- Adopted at Summer Executive Board Meeting - June 1999
School psychologists have endured poor workspace in public schools since
the dawn of the profession. Unfortunately, many times the psychologist is relegated to
facility "leftovers" that compromise service integrity, as well as legal and
ethical (as well as common-sense) guidelines. The Georgia Association of School
Psychologists recommends the following minimum standards for workspace in Georgia’s
schools. The standards are divided with respect to existing or new (or renovated)
construction:
Minimum Standard (existing construction)
- 8’ X 12’ room (96 square feet)
- adequate heating, air conditioning and ventilation
- classroom-similar lighting
- adult and student-sized chairs and adjustable table
- site selected for minimum ambient noise
- room not already identified as a clinic, closet or bathroom
- electrical outlet
- exits as per building code
- accessible for persons with disabilities
- entry door with long, narrow window
Best Practices Standard (new or renovated construction)
Minimum standards met, plus:
- 15’ X 10’ room (150 square feet)
- file cabinet (small) or closet (small)
- blackboard
- window
- 4-6 stackable or folding chairs
- intercom system with the office
Additionally, setting aside a dedicated workspace for the school
psychologist is a good idea for several reasons:
- Respect for the child’s needs is maintained. Working
individually with children in stairwells, clinics, closets, bathrooms, attics or other
substandard environments is demeaning and degrading to both child and professional. It
sends a message of unimportance and limited worth to both parties.
- Efficiency and access are enhanced. Many school psychologists face
the problem of working in a different location each time they are at their schools. All
school personnel need to be able to able to easily access the school psychologist. As
school psychologists become more permanent fixtures, their time spent in the school will
increase. With the advent of a new 60 day timeline standard, ready space for the
psychologist is a must. It has been estimated that a secure workspace could increase
efficiency by 10-25%.
- Test manufacturers require proper conditions. In any test
administration, test manufacturers require that tests be administered in conditions
equivalent to the way the test was originally normed. Failure to administer any test in
less than standardized conditions violates the integrity of all or part of the test. Each
psychologist "signs off" on psychological evaluations, attesting as to the
credibility of test results and is legally responsible for the evaluation’s findings.
- Liability is reduced. Insurers of school psychologists indicate an
increase of both civil and criminal actions for their insurees. The Best Practices
Workspace limits the potential of criminal allegations by having a door window so that
anyone can observe the room at any time. The room would also be free of other
"suggestible" encumbrances. Civil liability is reduced because of the room
offering an appropriate workspace to obtain credible results, as stated in 3 above.
- Service to the school is improved. The Best Practices Workspace
offers the school the opportunity for role expansion of their school psychologist. Parent
training, teacher consultation, individual counseling, functional behavior assessments,
behavior intervention plans, psychological evaluations, student groups, etc. can be
carried out in this workspace.
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