Tara Smart
School Psychologist
(406) 549-9239 extension 224
tara.smart@target.k12.mt.us
About me
Hello! I am the school psychologist and assessment coordinator at Target Range. I work with families and teachers to identify students who need additional support. Additional support can come in the form of special education services, 504 plans, gifted and talented identification or English Language Learning plans. I also work with teachers and administration to proctor and analyze data from the Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) Testing and Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium (SBAC).
What you can expect from the school psychologist this year
I am here as a resource to support all students and families. My goal is always to provide a greater level of understanding about how a student is learning and what aspects may need some additional support. Don't be afraid to reach out with any questions or concerns.
Daily schedule
I have no typical day. Most days, I spend time in classrooms observing students, consulting and collaborating with teachers, assessing students, writing reports, analyzing data, and facilitating Evaluation Team and IEP meetings.
How we can work together
If you have any questions or concerns about your student's learning or behavior, please reach out to me. E-mail is the best way to initiate contact since I am often not in my office. We can then find a time to either talk over the phone or meet in person.
Favorites
COLOR
My favorites colors to wear are purple and black, but if I am being artsy then pink and yellow are my favorites.
BOOK
Visible Learning by John Hattie, Overcoming Dyslexia by Sally Shaywitz, and The Sociopath Next Door by Martha Stout
FOOD
Fried potatoes with veggies and bacon
ANIMAL
My favorite animal is my dog Brownie. She is a regal mixed breed from the Humane Society. Although she has experienced some adversity in her young live, she approaches each day with enthusiasm and love for her family. I feel fortunate to have her love and loyalty.
SPORT
My favorite sport is hockey. I started playing in 4th grade to avoid taking piano lessons, but I accidentally fell in love with the sport and continue to play any chance I get.
RESTAURANT
It's a tie between the Mustard Seed and Gammy's in Frenchtown.
TREAT
My favorite treat is finding new dessert recipes to try.
ACTIVITY/HOBBY
Playing hockey, walking my dogs (my son has a malamute mix, Balto), baking, and watching scary movies with my boys.
QUOTE
The universe is unfolding just as it should.
Max Erhmann