The impact of inclusion policy on educational psychology practices: The Cypriot reality

Abstract

Provides a framework to understand the deployment of educational psychology practices in Cyprus and their current role in a unified educational system. It begins with an overview and general outline of the foundations and a rationale for educational psychology activities in the Cypriot schools today, by providing the appropriate historical background. The role of the Cypriot Psychological Association (CPA) and that of the University of Cyprus are discussed as influential in expanding the educational psychology profession and reformulating the legislation to increase services and enhance existing programmes. A presentation of the fundamental principles and techniques utilized in offering relevant services follows. Particular emphasis is given to specific key areas of practice, such as early identification and/or intervention and the retention policy for low-achieving students, which probably exercise a powerful influence in schools today. The paper ends with a short review of a number of studies conducted in Cyprus, addressing topics such as parent-teacher partnerships, development of assessment tools, and early intervention. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)