OKLAHOMA STATE UNIVERSITY. School of Applied Health and Educational Psychology. Ed.S. in Education Specialist in School Psychology Program

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1 OKLAHOMA STATE UNIVERSITY School of Applied Health and Educational Psychology Ed.S. in Education Specialist in School Psychology Program Introduction Thank you for your interest in the School Psychology Ed.S. Program at Oklahoma State University! The recognized entry level into this exciting and rewarding profession by the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) is the specialist level. The specialist degree is generally considered to be the equivalent of a master s degree plus 30 hours. NASP, with over 20,000 members across the nation, represents the majority of school psychologists in the United States. The NASP Approved specialist program at OSU, consistent with NASP standards for training of school psychologists and the Oklahoma State Department of Education requirements for certification as a school psychologist, is approximately 70 graduate hours. Successful completion of this program makes you eligible for certification by the Oklahoma State Department of Education as a school psychologist and also for the National Certification in School Psychology (NCSP) established by NASP. Because of the high quality training and standards of the program your credentials will also guarantee you will be eligible for school psychologist certification in every state in the nation. Those who are interested in practicing within the schools are appropriate applicants for the specialist program. This package is to assist you in becoming familiar with the program and for planning your application to become a graduate student in school psychology. It includes the program model and philosophy, accreditation and certification information; admission procedures, financial aid information, the general areas of competency for specialist-level school psychologists, and the School Psychology faculty s professional and research interests. Extensive information regarding university regulations and services can be found on the World Wide Web. Look for the OSU Home Page at and more specific information about school psychology at Be sure to remember the web whenever you need information on research, student services and organizations, the library, etc. Once again, thank you for your interest. We look forward to receiving your application. Program Goals and Philosophy The purpose of the specialist program in school psychology at OSU is to prepare professionals to provide psychological services to children, teachers, and parents, within a school setting. OSU's program is a emphasizes the Science-Based Child/Learner Success (SBC/LS) model. Our philosophy is that all children and youth have the right to be successful. Success refers not only to the accomplishment of immediate goals, but includes long-range goals of adulthood such as maximizing personal potentials, social integration, meaningful work, and contributing to society. School psychologists are important agents who assist children, families, teachers and others to be successful. The SBC/LS orientation focuses on prevention and intervention services related to the psychoeducational and mental health needs of children and youth. Graduates of OSU's program are prepared to engage in expanded role functioning in the schools. This includes engaging in assessment for problem solving as well as diagnosis, consultation, and intervention. The SBC/LS orientation is applied to primary preventative services, as well as secondary and tertiary problem solving activities. Preventative services emphasize an ecological approach within the various settings that address child mental health needs. Groups and systems, as well as individual children, might be the focus of these services. A proactive focus on positive mental health and wellness, derived from the scientific knowledge

2 base, is valued. In addition to primary prevention, problem solving at the secondary and tertiary levels emphasizes use of empirical data collected from multiple sources and methods to form and test hypotheses related to school and child problems. It is recognized that collection of ecologically valid assessment and diagnostic data is a critical step in the problem-solving process. Environmental and within-child variables are examined, and hypotheses are confirmed or revised to guide decision-making and intervention planning. Problem solving is viewed as a collaborative process involving the child, family, and various educational and community professionals. OSU School Psychology Program: Competency Areas for Specialist-level School Psychologists Students in the OSU school psychology program are trained in a broad array of psychological and educational foundations, and applied skills, and will achieve competencies in the following broad areas. Competencies are developed through coursework, practica and internship experiences, research, and mentoring by the faculty. 1. Broad-based knowledge, evaluation, and application of general psychological and educational professional practice foundations a. Research and Data Analysis i. Knowledge, application, and evaluation or research ii. Research design and statistical knowledge iii. Research design and application b. Diverse social and cultural organizations, community and family systems c. Biological aspects of behavior d. Cognitive-affective aspects of behavior e. Human development and individual differences f. Educational service delivery g. Comprehension, application, and evaluation of professional school psychology theory, and practice 2. School Psychology Professional Practice Skills a. Assessment for diagnosis and intervention planning, implementation and evaluation b. Consultative prevention, intervention, and supervision; evaluation of efficacy c. Direct intervention; evaluating the efficacy of interventions The School Psychology Faculty: Professional and Research Interests Terry A. Stinnett, Ph.D., Professor, Director of Training University of Southern Mississippi Issues in Child Psychopathology, Psychoeducational Assessment, Children s Academic Motivation, Labeling Bias (405) tas@okstate.edu Judy Oehler-Stinnett, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Director of Training University of Southern Mississippi ADHD, Motivation, Gifted, Child Neuropsychology, Social-Emotional Issues of Children, Psychoeducational Assessment (405) jos@okstate.edu Gary Duhon, Ph.D., Assistant Professor Louisiana State University Behavioral Consultation, Prereferral Intervention Models, Applied Behavior Analysis (405) duhong@okstate.edu Eric Mesmer, Ph.D., Assistant Professor University of South Florida Treatment Strength Across Regular and Special Education, Systems Change, Program Evaluation (405) mesmere@okstate.edu 2

3 Georgette Yetter, Ph.D. Assistant Professor University of Nebraska- Lincoln Pre-referral Team Acceptability of Treatment and Consultation, Autistic Spectrum, Variables that Effect Collaborative Problem solving (405) Program Accreditation and Student Eligibility for Certification The School Psychology program has been carefully designed to be consistent with the academic, research, and service mission of the University and College. In addition, the program standards reflect training experiences that are compatible with standards endorsed by the National Association of School Psychologists* (NASP) and the Oklahoma State Department of Education. Graduates of the program are eligible for state School Psychologist certification and the National certification in School Psychology. After graduation, graduates are prepared to enter the work force in public schools as a school psychologist. Graduates of the OSU school psychology program are psychologists with specific training for working with children, youth, families, school personnel and other agencies. They will be able to provide direct services to children and serve as liaisons among children and the many adults concerned with their welfare. The North Central Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools accredits Oklahoma State University. The program is fully approved by the National Association of School Psychologists. The specialist program is also approved by the Oklahoma State Department of Education. State certification as a School Psychologist by the State Department of Education is granted at the specialist level. If you follow the program requirements, you will exceed the state requirements for certification. Because certification is dependent on a completed internship, you will be eligible for certification following internship. Cultural and Individual Differences and Diversity Oklahoma State University, in compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (Higher Education Act) and other federal laws and regulations, does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, religion, handicap, or status as a veteran, in any of its policies, practices, or procedures. This provision includes, but is not limited to, admission, employment, financial aid, and educational services. Potential students and faculty are actively recruited from all the above categories and given full consideration for admission, employment, promotions, and/or tenure by the University and within the School of Applied Health and Educational Psychology. The School Psychology Program and the School of SAHEP make every effort to promote understanding of and respect for the full range of cultural and individual diversity. Recruitment of faculty and students from diverse cultural backgrounds is always a high priority, and our current faculty and student population reflects this effort. The program strives to develop understanding, knowledge, scholarship and skills in all of our students to enhance the likelihood they will facilitate child success across the full range of diverse learners they may encounter as professional school psychologists. We are convinced that the changing cultural diversity of schools and society will have substantial impact on the delivery of school psychological services and research conducted by professional school psychologists. Financial Support Students may apply for and receive financial assistance at Oklahoma State University. The first step is to complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) through the Office of Financial Aid. The School **National Association of School Psychologists: 4340 East West Highway, Suite 402, Bethesda, MD 20814; Telephone:

4 of Applied Health and Educational Psychology determines partial tuition fee waivers using the data from the FAFSA. In addition, various research and faculty/program support assistantships are available within SAHEP. Graduate assistants sometimes work with a faculty member with his or her research programs, teach an undergraduate course, or assist the program faculty with administrative duties. As a research assistant graduate assistants have the opportunity to become involved in a faculty member's program of research. Many thesis and dissertation ideas have been generated in this fashion. Students interested in a SAHEP assistantship should complete an assistantship application soon after they have been notified that they are admitted to the program. Be sure to notify your advisor that you are interested. A variety of grants, loans, and scholarships may also be obtained through the Office of Financial Aid and the Graduate College. Assistantships and employment are available at other facilities on campus, such as at the University Testing Services Center, the Office of Financial Aid, and the Edmond Low Library. Part-time employment opportunities both on and off campus are generally available, and a few paid practicum positions are available for school psychology students. Faculty members and fellow students are good sources of information regarding such part-time jobs and paid-practicum placements. Students can be informed of other sources of financial aid such as grants, loans, and scholarships by contacting the Financial Aid Office, OSU, Stillwater, Oklahoma 74078, (405) , or the Graduate College, 202 Whitehurst OSU, Stillwater, Oklahoma 74078, (405) Prospective students should contact the Financial Aid Office for information about deadlines for financial aid applications. Admissions Students are selected through a competitive admissions process once each year and the deadline for applying is March 1. Your application must be complete in order for you to receive full consideration for admission. Applicants must apply for admission to the Graduate College by submitting a graduate application (specify proposed major as School Psychology and degree sought as Ed.S.), application fee, and all transcripts of previous work to: Graduate College 202 Whitehurst Stillwater, OK (405) In order to complete your application file, all other materials must be submitted to: Ms. Sandi Ireland Graduate Records - COE 325L Willard Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK (405) A complete application to the School Psychology program includes: the graduate school application, application to the Teacher Education Program, two official copies of all transcripts (graduate and undergraduate), official posted GRE scores, four letters of recommendation from previous employers and instructors, a three to five page description of career goals and aspirations which describes the match between your goals and the program objectives, and a sample of your best written professional work. An undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0 and/or a graduate GPA of at least 3.5 and at least a combined Verbal and Quantitative score of 900 on the GRE. Students with an earned Master's or Bachelor's degree are eligible for admission to the Ed.S. program. 4

5 Students whose primary interests are working with children, youth, families, school personnel and other agencies are considered to be suited the best for our program. The faculty place high value on scholarship, research and development of scientific skepticism to best expand the repertoire of psychological service delivery skills. Excellent interpersonal skills and a commitment to the highest level of professional conduct are important qualities for school psychology graduate students to be successful. The graduate school application and official transcripts should be sent to the Graduate College, 202 Whitehurst, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 74078, in time for copies to be forwarded to SAHEP before the application March 1 st deadline. Beginning the Specialist Program in School Psychology After you have been admitted into the program, you will be assigned a temporary advisor. You will work with this advisor in becoming oriented to the program and in developing a course schedule for your first and second semesters. You will also be paired with a peer mentor who will assist your socialization and adjustment to the community, University, School, and program. Once admitted, students typically begin their coursework the following Semester. Enrollment in summer classes immediately after notification of admission in the spring is permitted for those who need to complete some prerequisites or for those who wish to get a head start. Such summer enrollment before formal entry into the program in the fall is optional. The Semester typically begins the middle of August. An orientation for newly admitted students in the School Psychology Program is scheduled in the first weeks of the semester. Orientation provides an opportunity for new students to meet faculty members and advanced graduate students in the program, obtain additional information related to program expectations and goals, and to ask questions they may not have been able to ask previously. The orientation also begins the process of establishing collegial relationships with fellow students and faculty, and allows new students to become acquainted with the student support system. The friendly atmosphere of OSU, in general, and SAHEP in particular, offers you support and socialization to the program. Students interact through class projects, research teams, social events, professional conferences, and in informal ways. You can gain information from advanced students who are in the various practica as they attend program meetings and social events. We hope that this information about OSU's Ed.S. School Psychology Program is helpful to you. We wish you success in your search for a graduate program, which can help you fulfill your professional goals. Once again, thank you for your interest in School Psychology. Recommended Sequence of the Ed.S. program: The OSU school psychology program includes course work and experiences, which are intended to meet the competency areas outlined by the program model, NASP standards for training and field placement, and the State Department of Education guidelines for certification. A full description of courses and matriculation sequence is available in student handbook. First Year: Course Credits EPSY 5023 Intro to School Psychological Services 3 EPSY 5113 Child Psychopathology 3 EPSY 5103 Human Development in Psychology 3 REMS 5013 Research Design and Methodology 3 EDUC 5910 Field Experiences in Education 2 5

6 Spring EPSY 5793 Individual Intellectual Assessment of Children and Youth 3 REMS 6003 Analysis of Variance 3 SPED 5643 Counseling Parents of Exceptional Individuals 3 EPSY 5000 Thesis 3 CIED 5463 Reading Assessment & Instruction 3 Summer EPSY 5803 Advanced Intellectual Assessment: 3 Contemporary Theories and Assessment of Intelligence and Cognitive Abilities EPSY 5463 Psychology of Learning 3 EPSY 6323 Psychological Consultation 3 2 nd year: Course Credits EPSY 6333 Instructional Assessment and Consultation 3 EPSY 5342 Applied Behavior Analysis 3 EPSY 5210 Shadow Practicum 2 EPSY 5000 Thesis 3 Spring EPSY 6343 Behavioral Assessment and Consultation 3 EPSY 6113 Child Personality Assessment 3 EPSY 5210 Shadow Practicum 2 EPSY6333 Introduction to Psychotherapy with Children and Adolescents 3 Summer Any courses missing from above if needed 3rd Year: Course Credits EPSY 5510 Practicum in School Psychology 3 SOC 6653 Seminar in Social Psychology 3 Spring EPSY 5510 Practicum in School Psychology 3 EPSY 6143 Introduction to Developmental Psychopharmacology 3 CPSY 5503 Multicultural Counseling 3 EPSY 5503 Crisis Intervention and Emergency Action in School Settings 3 4 th year: Course Credits EPSY 6210 Internship 2 Spring EPSY 6210 Internship 2 6

7 Informal Applicant Checklist You might use this checklist during the application process to track the various components of your application to ensure the application is completed by the deadline (March 1). Graduate College 202 Whitehurst OSU Stillwater, OK (405) Date sent and/or requested Date of receipts and/or confirmation Contact person Grad School Application & Fee Official Transcripts Financial Aid 119 Student Union OSU Stillwater, OK (405) Date sent and/or requested Date of receipts and/or confirmation Contact person Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) COE - Graduate Records 325L Willard OSU Stillwater, OK (405) Date sent and/or requested Date of receipts and/or confirmation Contact person Letters of Reference (4) Career Goals & Aspirations Statement Writing Sample Application forwarded from Graduate School to SAHEP GRE Scores received by SAHEP Teacher Education Program Application Application Completed Revised: 9/2005 7