The National Association of School Psychologists recommends one school psychologist for every 500 students (NASP). Michigan is nowhere close.
A report from the Michigan School Safety and Mental Health Commission put the ratio at about one school psychologist for every 1,400 students, with around 200 positions unfilled. News coverage of the report described roughly 1,000 psychologists serving about 1.37 million students (ClickOnDetroit). The Michigan Association of School Psychologists says only about 30 to 40 new school psychologists enter the workforce each year (MASP).
That gap will not close quickly, and it lands hardest on evaluations.
Why evaluations feel it first
School psychologists do far more than testing: counseling, crisis response, consultation, MTSS. But evaluations come with legal deadlines. In Michigan, no more than 30 school days may pass between parental consent for an initial evaluation and the notice of an offer of FAPE or ineligibility, unless extended by written agreement (Michigan rule R 340.1721b).
When a district is short-staffed, the backlog shows. Detroit Public Schools Community District added $9 million to a $13.5 million evaluation staffing contract and hired dozens of psychologists and SLPs in hourly roles to catch up (Chalkbeat Detroit, Dec. 2025). Even so, about 1,095 reevaluations were late this school year through March, up 16% from the same point in 2024 (Chalkbeat Detroit, Apr. 2026).
How districts are keeping evaluations on track
Bring in contract evaluators for peak months
Referrals spike at predictable times of year. Contract school psychologists and SLPs can absorb the surge without a permanent hire.
Separate evaluation work from ongoing services
Some districts use contracted staff mainly for evaluations, so their own psychologists keep time for counseling and MTSS.
Plan bilingual evaluations early
Evaluations that need a bilingual evaluator take longer to arrange. Flag them at referral, not halfway through the timeline. See IDEA's native-language evaluation rule.
Coordinate the whole team
A psychologist's report is one piece. Speech, OT and social work input all have to land on time too. Fewer vendors usually means fewer dropped hand-offs.
How Anwar House of Therapy helps
Our school team includes school psychologists for evaluations and student support, alongside speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists and social workers. Evaluations come with written reports ready for the IEP team, and we offer Arabic bilingual evaluations by clinicians who speak Arabic. Services can be on site, virtual or hybrid.
Frequently asked questions
Can contracted school psychologists do initial evaluations?
Yes. Contracted school psychologists can complete evaluations with written reports for the IEP team, alongside your own staff.
Do you also provide speech and OT evaluations?
Yes. Our school team includes speech-language pathologists and occupational therapists, and we offer Arabic bilingual speech and language evaluations.
Can evaluations be done virtually?
Some parts can, and some cannot. A good partner will tell you which parts of an evaluation need to happen in person.
Behind on evaluations? See our school staffing services or call (734) 224-9121.
