American Psychological Association (APA) is the leading scientific and professional organization representing psychology in the United States, with more than 115,700 researchers, educators, clinicians, consultants and students as its members. APA’s mission is to advance the creation, communication and application of psychological knowledge to benefit society and improve people's lives.
APA’s Center for Psychology in Schools and Education promotes the high quality application of psychological science to programs and policies for schools and pre-K through grade 12 education. The office serves as a liaison both within APA and with national educational and scientific societies, federal agencies and the general public concerning the education and development of children and adolescents.
The mission of the American Psychological Association's Center for Psychology in Schools and Education is to:
- Develop and strengthen linkages between psychology/psychologists and education/educators to serve all students’ emotional and academic needs;
- Generate public awareness, advocacy, clinical applications and cutting-edge research to enhance educational and developmental opportunities for students at all levels of schooling, with a special focus on:
- Pre-K to 12 teacher preparation programs, teaching skills and professional development
- Assisting educators and other school personnel in grounding both teaching and learning in current psychological science
- Gifted children and adolescents
- Work collaboratively with other national education organizations to disseminate knowledge/best practices regarding school reform and improving student achievement; and
- Advocate for and build a presence of psychology in the national education agenda, particularly in the preparation of teachers.