Program Goals, Objectives and Competencies
Coursework and field experiences within the doctoral program in School Psychology are designed to assist students in developing the appropriate knowledge and skills to meet the program goals and objectives outlined below. Evaluation of students throughout the program ensures that upon graduation, students have attained the competencies corresponding to these objectives.
Goal 1: To produce graduates who have a solid understanding of psychological and educational principles underlying the field of school psychology.
Objective 1.1: To provide knowledge of human learning processes, techniques to assess these processes, and direct and indirect services applicable to the development of cognitive and academic skills, including instruction.
Competency 1.1: Applies theories of learning and motivation in the translation of assessment results for the purpose of developing and evaluating appropriate and evidence-based cognitive and academic goals for students.
Objective: 1.2: To provide knowledge of typical and atypical human development processes, techniques to assess these processes, and direct and indirect services applicable to the development of behavioral, affective, adaptive, and social skills.
Competency 1.2: Applies theories of human development and developmentally appropriate practice in the translation of assessment results for the purpose of developing and evaluating appropriate behavioral, affective, social and adaptive interventions.
Objective 1.3: To provide a respect for and an understanding of individual differences, abilities, and disabilities, and of the potential influence of biological, social, cultural, ethnic, experiential, socioeconomic, gender-related, and linguistic factors in development and learning.
Competency 1.3: Identifies and understands the myriad of factors that contribute to individual differences, and develops interventions that reflect knowledge and understanding of, and sensitivity to, cultural, language and individual learning characteristics.
Goal 2: To produce graduates who have a solid understanding of the systemic nature of children’s development and skills in implementing systemic and consultative interventions in school psychology.
Objective 2.1: To assist students in understanding the systemic nature of schools and other settings, as well as specific knowledge of general education, special education, and other educational and related services.
Competency 2.1: Participates in the implementation and evaluation of policies and school reform efforts that are in part guided by federal, state and local policy, and that lead to safe, supportive, and effective learning environments.
Objective 2.2: To provide knowledge and skills in various models of consultation and collaboration, as well their application to family, school, and community systems.
Competency 2.2: Engages in and evaluates the effectiveness of consultation and collaboration with families and service providers in a way that recognizes the influence and unique perspective of others, encourages the involvement of families, and links community resources to best meet the needs of children in school and community settings.
Goal 3: To produce graduates who are skilled in applying data-based decision making and the empirical method, in order to foster research-referenced and data-based practice in school psychology.
Objective 3.1: To provide knowledge of and skills in using varied models and methods of formal and informal assessment that yield information useful in understanding problems, developing interventions, and measuring progress and accomplishments.
Competency 3.1: Accurately selects and uses appropriate and varied methods of formal and informal assessment to understand problems, develop interventions, and measure progress.
Objective 3.2: To provide an understanding of and skills in utilizing research design and statistical procedures to investigate questions of importance to the field of school psychology.
Competency 3.2: Utilizes skills in research design, methodology, and statistical analysis for the purposes of evaluating research and engaging in scientific inquiry.
Goal 4: To prepare skilled interventionists who have knowledge of various evidence-based intervention strategies, and skills in implementing and evaluating these interventions.
Objective 4.1: To provide skills in identifying the need for and effectively providing prevention and intervention services at individual and systemic levels, including school-wide interventions and crisis response.
Competency 4.1: Effectively implements individual and school-wide prevention and intervention programs and crisis response based on an assessment of individual and/or systemic characteristics, strengths and needs.
Objective 4.2: To provide skills in individual and group counseling with children and youth in schools and other settings, with a focus on evidence-based practice.
Competency 4.2: Skillfully provides individual and group counseling services to children and youth in school and community settings.
Goal 5: To produce graduates who are prepared to engage in legal, ethical, and professional practice.
Objective 5.1: To provide an understanding of professionalism and legal and ethical issues in school psychology research and practice.
Competency 5.1: Demonstrates an understanding of and commitment to professionalism and ethical and legal standards in the conduct of research and practice.
Objective 5.2: To provide an understanding of the importance of ongoing professional development for providing services based on current information and technology.
Competency 5.2: Participates in ongoing professional preparation and development in order to integrate current information and technology into practice.