School Psychology and Special Education in Mexico: An Introduction for Practitioners

Abstract

Very little information is currently available to practising school psychologists regarding the educational experience of individuals whose home country is Mexico. This limitation is particularly true for practitioners attempting to learn about school psychology and special education services which might have been received in Mexico. The number of school-age children who immigrate from Mexico to other countries each year highlights the importance of a shared understanding of available services. This article provides practising school psychologists with an introduction to school psychology and special education services in Mexico. Information gained from a review of the available literature, in-depth interviews with special education administrators working in Mexico and tours of facilities throughout the nation is presented. While focusing on Mexico, the information gathering procedures utilized in the present study may serve as a model for practitioners from various nations who serve populations of children for whom immigration and a lack of understanding of previous educational services are an issue.