It's Always About the Children

by Charles A. Barrett

Drawing on his experience as a school psychologist, It’s Always About The Children is a window into Charles Barrett’s passion for serving students and philosophical orientation to public education. Using anecdotes to illustrate theoretical constructs such as Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, Bronfenbrenner’s Ecological Systems Theory, behavioral consultation, non-discriminatory assessment, social justice, and systems change, this informative narrative is filled with effective strategies for clinical practice. To facilitate personal reflection and small group discussion, questions and Resources for Professional Learning are included at the end of each chapter. An excellent compendium for educators—particularly school psychology graduate students, faculty, and practitioners—this book will encourage and inspire individuals in their service to children, families, schools, and communities.

Genres: Grad School, Nonfiction

106 pages, Paperback

Published September 6, 2018

Reviews

[Alyssa Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Super quick read! A lot of what Barrett talks about in this book echoes what I’ve learned in my program thus far. I really like the reflection and discussion component after each chapter. I’m interested to see how my thoughts and ideas shift from a first year graduate student to a practicing school psychologist.

[Alec Marentic · Rating 4 out of 5]

Despite being a relatively brief read (104 pages), it provides readers who are educators a chance to refocus on the ultimate goals of schools, reenergize about fulfilling these goals (i.e., the kids!) and reflect on your practice thus far, what it means to you, and how you want to move forward. For those who are not educators, it provides a snapshot of what it means to be a school psychologist.

[Cole · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a prospective graduate student in school psychology, this was a good first book to serve as an overview of some of the important issues that school psychologists work to address, while also serving as a source to clarify and enhance the motivation of entering the field. Good reflection questions which allow for introspection and clarifying purpose.

I think this book could have used an editor however, since there were a few sentences that I found awkward. They didn’t detract much from the work itself, but I would prefer the writing to be a bit more polished.

[Jody Silver · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would highly recommend this as a book club book for groups of school psychologists and site administrators. Great questions at the end of each chapter will fuel much needed discussions.

[Victoria Stabile · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great collection of resources and ideas for forward thinking school psychs. Honestly every grad student should read this!

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this book. Read it for one of my graduate school classes, but will be keeping and re-reading in the future. Love the client-centered mindset

[Glensys Lorduy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book to think about the rol of a school psychologist in schools.

[Kaitlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

GREAT book! The author did a great job packing great wisdom into this book.

[Janine Kane · Rating 5 out of 5]

A quick read, written by a school psychologist but not designed solely for an audience of school psychologists. Will be thought provoking for any educator or any reader interested in education.

[Liz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Informative and inspiring for current and future school psychologists.

[Anna Gentile · Rating 2 out of 5]

Had to read this for grad school.

[Mary Zuniga · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great read for all educators, not just school psychologists

[Allison Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a quick read and a must-have addition to any school support staff’s reading list.

With his simple but effective writing, renowned school psychologist and social justice advocate Charles Barrett uses anecdotes, psychological theories, and tested strategies to improve your school’s overall climate and to shift your focus to being about the students you serve.

This book will reinforce your belief as to why you chose to work with children, and will make you passionate about advocating for them in every way possible. Because it really is all about the children.