School Psychology Training: Western Kentucky University

1
School Psychology Training Western Kentucky
University

• William (Bill) Pfohl, Psy.D.
• Professor
• ISPA, Tempere, Finland

2
Western Kentucky University

• Started in 1980
• Admits 8-10 students a year
• Approved by NASP
• Three year program
• 1200 clock hour internship
• Practicum during program

3
Western Kentucky University

• Bowling Green, KY
• 18,000 students
• Psychology Department has 36 FTE faculty
• 450 undergraduate (baccalaureate) majors
• 5 Master programs I/O, General, Clinical,
  Applied Experimental and Gerontology
• School Psychology Specialist degree (Ed.S.)

4
Admissions

• Competitive
• About 40 applications per year
• Grades
• GRE Graduate Record Exams
• Letters of recommendation
• Psychology major preferred

5
Requirements

• Specialist project required (similar to thesis)
• Original research
• Program evaluation
• Intense literature review
• Must pass national ETS PRAXIS test in School
  Psychology to graduate and receive certification

6
Model

• Problem-solving principles
• Combination of traditional psychology courses
• With practical experiences

7
Program Areas of Training

• Follows NASP Standards
• Data Based Decision Making Accountability
• Interpersonal Communication, Collaboration, and
  Consultation
• Effective Instruction and Development of
  Cognitive/Academic Skills

8
Program Areas of Training

• - Socialization Development of Life
  Competencies
• - Student Diversity in Development Learning
• - School Structure, Organization Climate
• - Prevention, Wellness, Promotion and Crisis
  Intervention

9
Program Areas of Training

• Home/School/Community Collaboration
• Research/Program Evaluation
• Legal, Ethical Practice, Professional
  Development
• Added Technology

10
USA - Accreditation Approval

• American Psychological Association doctoral
  level programs only 54 programs
• NASP doctoral (53) non-doctoral (200)
• Specialist over 60 graduate hours of credit
• Nationally Certified School Psychologist (NCSP)
  29 states