School Psychology Notes

School Psychology as a Profession

What is a School Psychologist?

  • School psychologists are uniquely qualified members of school teams.

  • They support students' ability to learn and teachers' ability to teach.

  • They apply expertise in mental health, learning, and behavior to help children and youth succeed academically, socially, behaviorally, and emotionally.

  • They partner with families, teachers, school administrators, and other professionals to create safe, healthy, and supportive learning environments.

  • These environments strengthen connections between home, school, and the community.

  • Source: NASP

Why Do Children Need School Psychologists?

  • Behavior & Attention Concerns

  • Learning Difficulties

  • Problems with Peers

  • Depression & Other Mental Health Issues

  • Poverty, Violence, Homelessness, Foster Youth, Loss, Grief

  • Coping with Crisis & Trauma

  • Family Issues

  • Source: NASP PowerPoint “School Psychology: A Career That Makes a Difference”

What Do School Psychologists Do?

  • Create collaborative environments with parents, teachers, and administrators

  • Conduct assessments, counseling, and other academic services

  • Work in groups and individually with children

  • Assist schools, families, and communities in creating successful outcomes for children

  • Source: NASP PowerPoint “School Psychology: A Career That Makes a Difference”

School Psychologists Are Not School Counselors

  • Roles Similar to a School Counselor

  • However…

  • Provide group and individual counseling

  • Provide indirect and direct services

  • Respond to crises by providing guidance, as well as collaboration

  • Require comprehensive and detailed training in assessments

  • Emphasize the consultation process

  • Assist multiple schools and grade levels

The NASP Practice Model

  • The 2020 NASP Practice Model and Professional Standards will “Improve ratios with the adjusted recommended ratio of 1:500”

  • 6 Organizational Principles

  • 10 Domains of Practice

The 10 Domains

  • Domain 1: Data-Based Decision Making

    • Uses assessment and data to drive effective interventions & monitor progress.

  • Domain 2: Consultation and Collaboration

    • Collaborates with stakeholders effectively using varied models

  • Domain 3: Academic Interventions and Instructional Supports

    • Uses evidenced-based strategies to support academic development

  • Domain 4: Mental and Behavioral Health Services and Interventions

    • Promotes social-emotional well-being and positive behavior

  • Domain 5: School-Wide Practices to Promote Learning

    • Implements school-wide strategies for positive learning

  • Domain 6: Services to Promote Safe and Supportive Schools

    • Creates safe, supportive, and responsive school environments

  • Domain 7: Family, School, and Community Collaboration

    • Partner with families and communities to support students

  • Domain 8: Equitable Practices for Diverse Student Populations

    • Ensure equitable services for all students and respects diversity

  • Domain 9: Research and Evidence-Based Practice

    • Applies research and data to inform and guide effective practices

  • Domain 10: Legal, Ethical, and Professional Practice

    • Adhere to the ethical, legal, and professional standards

  • Source: www.nasponline.org 2014

Where Do School Psychologists Work?

  • MOST WORK IN THE K-12 PUBLIC SCHOOLS

  • PRIVATE SCHOOLS

  • UNIVERSITIES

  • PRESCHOOLS

  • SCHOOL-BASED HEALTH & MENTAL HEALTH CENTERS

  • SCHOOL DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION OFFICES

  • COMMUNITY-BASED DAY TREATMENT OR RESIDENTIAL CLINICS & HOSPITALS

  • JUVENILE JUSTICE PROGRAMS

  • INDEPENDENT PRIVATE PRACTICE

  • Source: www.nasponline.org 2014

Employment Landscape

  • MEDIAN NATIONAL ANNUAL SALARY $84,940\$84,940 as of May 2023

  • INCREASE IN EMPLOYMENT

    • The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 0.7% employment increase between 2023 and 2033.

  • OTHER ADVANTAGES

    • Stable Career

    • High Demand Career

    • Competitive Salary

    • State & Nationwide Opportunities

    • Need for Ethnic and Linguistic Diversity in Field

How to Become a School Psychologist?

  • (Using Marshall University Requirements and Process as an Example)

  • Undergraduate Requirements

    • GPA of 3.0 or higher

    • GRE score no lower than 146 on Verbal & 140 and Quantitative. Minimum total 300

    • Prerequisite Courses

      • Elementary/Introductory Statistics

      • Experimental Psychology/Research Methods

      • Abnormal Psychology

      • Learning

      • Social Psychology

      • Developmental Psychology

  • M.A. Degree (School Psychology Emphasis)

    • Admission to M.A. – Rolling Enrollments

      • Fill out an Application

      • 3 Letters of Recommendation

    • To Graduate

      • Pass Comprehensive Exam

      • Complete Plan of Study

  • Ed.S. in School Psychology

    • Admission to Ed.S.

      • Sample of professional writing

      • Statement of professional goals

      • Practicum I and II - Includes a Paid Internship

    • To Graduate

      • Complete Plan of Study

      • Complete a Thesis or Program Evaluation

      • Pass Praxis II Test

M.A. Classes

  • Biological Bases of School Psychology (SPSY 674) or Biological Bases of Behavior (PSY 674)

  • Experimental Design (PSY 623)

  • Cognitive and Emotional Bases of School Psychology (SPSY 675) or Cognitive and Emotional Bases of Behavior (PSY 672)

  • Cross-Cultural Psychology (PSY 526)

  • Advanced Developmental Psychology (PSY 615) or Typical and Atypical Child Development (SPSY 616)

  • Ethical and Legal Issues in Psychology (PSY 605)

  • Data Based Decision Making II (SPSY 621) or Psychometrics (PSY 506)

  • M.A. Research Seminar (PSY 692)

  • Schools (SPSY 601)

  • School Consultation (SPSY 617)

  • Instruction Methods and Behavior Modification (SPSY 618)

  • Psychotherapy with Children (PSY 619) or Individual and Group Counseling (PSY 619)

Ed.S. Classes

  • Professional Competence II: Professional School Psych (SPSY 603)

  • Data-Based Decision Making II (SPSY 622)

  • Data-Based Decision Making III (SPSY 624)

  • Practicum I (SPSY 738)

  • Practicum II (SPSY 739)

  • SPSY 720 Counseling with Youth: Advanced Topics

  • Indirect Service Delivery II: Primary Prevention (SPSY 620)

  • Research: Thesis (SPSY 750) or Program Evaluation (SPSY 751)

  • Internship (SPSY 745, 12 hours)

Ed.S. Practicum & Internship

  • Practicum I & II

    • ½ Day each week in mentors school

    • Fall and Spring of Year 2

    • Paid Practicum I & II

  • Internship

    • Full-Time over 1 academic year OR Part-Time over 2 academic years

    • 1,200 Hours