This paper examines how the concepts and practices developed by school psychologists from the public education system have been incorporating recent discussions in the areas of educational and school psychology, highlighting the importance of the historical and cultural dimensions of educational phenomenon. This paper presents the data obtained through a questionnaire answered by 108 psychologists who work at 45 education departments in São Paulo State. The data demonstrate that the practices and concepts merge traditional and innovative elements, suggesting that psychologists are appropriating the discussions in the area, but the request for clinical and individual treatment of children with school difficulties still remains. The performance of these professionals, among other things, is an expression of their training, municipal public policies, conceptions of education of each administration, history of the constitution of the service, availability of each school and its managers to accept an institutional perspective, and recognition of the school psychologist's role.
Psychologist performance; School psychology; Education; Public school education
