In Denmark, the mental health of young people has become a hot topic. More kids are getting diagnosed with mental health issues. Many are skipping school, and classrooms are becoming more divided. This has put a spotlight on Educational Psychology (EP) services. People are questioning if these services are truly helping or if they are missing the mark.

The debate is intense. Some argue that EP services are too focused on labeling individual problems. They believe that these services should be more about helping teachers and schools create better learning environments. This has led to calls for a "practice turn" in EP. In other words, educational psychologists need to get more involved in the day-to-day workings of schools.

To understand this shift, it's important to look at the history and context of EP in Denmark. Educational psychologists have always been part of the school system, but their role has changed over time. They need to support practices that truly make a difference in the classroom. This means going beyond just identifying problems and actually helping to solve them.

The discussion around EP is not just about changing practices. It's also about having a deep conversation about what kind of support educational psychologists should be providing. Should they be focusing more on individual students or on the broader school environment? This is a complex question that requires a lot of thought and discussion.

It's clear that the role of educational psychologists in Denmark is evolving. They are being asked to play a more active role in shaping educational practices. This shift is not just about changing what they do, but also about changing how they think about their role in the education system. It's a big task, but it's an important one for the well-being of students and the success of schools.

PUBLIC AND PROFESSIONAL DEBATE

The Shift in Danish School Support

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