How are School Psychology Professionals Trained?
As School Psychology has grown and developed in Arkansas, it has drawn upon the diverse educational and professional experiences of its members. Current requirements for entering the field of School Psychology begin with a minimum of 60 graduate semester hours in psychology and education including a year-long internship. Individuals involved in such programs receive in-depth training in the areas of mental health, behavior, child development, learning, professional ethics, and assessment.
Professional titles vary depending upon the level of training received and the certification and/or licensure obtained. In Arkansas, only those with doctorate level training in School Psychology may refer to themselves as School Psychologists. Those with a 60 hour graduate degree may be certified as School Psychology Specialists through the Arkansas Department of Education. In addition, individuals may be licensed as Psychological Examiners by the Arkansas Board of Examiners in Psychology. Finally, the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) offers national certification as a Nationally Certified School Psychologist (NCSP).
Where Can You Find School Psychology Services?
Although most individuals with School Psychology training work in Arkansas' public school systems, these individuals can also be found in a variety of settings around the state including:
- public and private schools
- clinics and hospitals
- colleges and universities
- community and state agencies
What are School Psychology Services?
Assessment
School Psychology professionals use a variety of techniques, including group and individual tests to evaluate:
- academic skills
- intellectual potential
- social skills and function of behavior
- eligibility for services
Consultation
School Psychology professionals:
- work with parents, teachers and administrators to develop strategies to address learning and behavior difficulties
- provide training to address needs identified by parents, teachers, staff, and administrators
Intervention
School Psychology professionals:
- work individually with families
- design behavior management plans
- provide crisis intervention
- provide social skills training
- provide counseling for children and families
Prevention
School Psychology professionals:
- develop and implement programs
- identify children with potential learning difficulties and design a program to aid them
- work on all levels of the system to make schools safer
What Does the Future hold for School Psychology in Arkansas?
School Psychology in Arkansas will continue to change in response to the growing and diverse needs of students, families, and schools. In addition to assisting schools in diagnosing and correcting academic problems, School Psychology Specialists are being called upon in a variety of other areas including crisis intervention, staff training, and treatment of school behavior problems. The role of School Psychology in Arkansas will continue to expand and change in ways that maximize the education of students.
