Which of the following professionals is likely to address student safety and risk assessments?

The school psychologist is trained to focus on the mental health and well-being of students, which directly involves assessing and addressing student safety and risk factors. They evaluate students’ emotional, social, and academic needs and are equipped to identify potential risks that could affect students, such as bullying, mental health issues, and environmental factors. Conducting risk assessments allows the school psychologist to develop intervention strategies and collaborate with educators, parents, and other professionals to create a safer school environment for all students.

In contrast, while other roles such as the teacher assistant, school nurse, and principal contribute to the overall safety and welfare of students, their primary responsibilities may not specifically involve conducting risk assessments or assessing individual student needs on a psychological level. The teacher assistant primarily supports classroom activities, the school nurse focuses on physical health and medical emergencies, and the principal oversees school operations and policies. Each plays a vital role in student safety, but the school psychologist is the specialist most directly trained for the comprehensive evaluation of psychological risks to students.