School Psychology Practicum Handbook

2015-2016 School Psychology Practicum Handbook University of Houston-Victoria School Psychology Program Director: Dr. Elise Hendricker UHV School of Arts & Sciences 3007 N. Ben Wilson Victoria, TX 77901

SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGY PRACTICUM HANDBOOK Welcome to your School Psychology Practicum semester. Congratulations on obtaining a practicum site! We trust that you will enjoy your learning experiences this semester. Within this handbook, you will find important information that you will need to successfully complete the Practicum course. For your learning experience, the practicum supervision is designed as a hybrid opportunity, requiring weekly check in online with university faculty while completing face to face hours at your practicum site. Participation in this class assumes that the dignity and essential worth of all participants is respected; the privacy, property, and freedom of participants will be respected; bigotry, discrimination, violence, or intimidation will not be tolerated, and personal and academic integrity is expected. Again, welcome and best of luck in 2015-2016. Sincerely, Elise Hendricker, Ph.D., LP, LSSP School Psychology Program Director School Psychology Practicum/Internship Coordinator

Table of Contents Mission of Practicum Program.. 4 Obtaining a Practicum Site 4 School Psychology Practicum Site Roster. 6 Initial Contact Script.. 8 School Psychology Practicum Class Requirements.. 9 Practicum Course Requirements... 9 Practicum Site Requirements (Assessment).. 11 Practicum Site Requirements (Consultation) 12 Memorandum of Agreement for Practicum.. 13 Responsibilities of Field Based Supervisors. 13 Practicum Student Responsibilities... 13 Practicum Work Schedule. 14 Faculty Supervisor Introductory Letter. 15 Practicum Goals. 16 Practicum Log Coding System.. 19 Practicum Log Form.. 21 Practicum Summary Form. 22 Practicum Supervisor Evaluation Form. 23 Practicum Self Evaluation Form 28 Professional Organizations Related to School Psychology... 33 UHV School Psychology Practicum Handbook Page 3

Mission of Practicum Program The school psychology practicum experiences affords students opportunities to demonstrate under conditions of appropriate supervision, their ability to apply their knowledge, to develop specific skills needed for effective school psychological service delivery, and to integrate competencies that addresses the domains of professional preparation and practice outlined in the NASP (National Association of School Psychologists) and objectives of the UHV school psychology training program. The development of professional skills begins with the student contacting prospective sites and arranging for a semester-long experience that involves observation and participation in agency activities. In addition to cultivating professional relationships and learning about the complexities of those relationships, students have the opportunity to discover if a particular site experience matches their own strengths and interests. Finally, the school psychology practicum program furthers the overall mission of the school psychology program as a whole, by emphasizing and strengthening ties with the surrounding community. Students benefit by learning from school-based professionals and professionals within area agencies, while agencies gain by hosting competent and energetic students who, in turn, positively impact the school. Obtaining a Practicum Site The best practice is that students begin determining a practicum site at least 3 months prior to the semester that practicum is scheduled to begin. To assist them with this process, students can refer to the School Psychology Practicum Site Roster for school districts and agencies that have participated in the program in the past. Students are also encouraged to approach new school districts and agencies who might be interested in the student s services. Students should contact the agency by telephone, and ask about the possibility of completing a UHV School Psychology Practicum Handbook Page 4

school psychology practicum at the respective site. Students should be sure to provide the school district contact with the requirements of the practicum program. If the school district is interested, the student makes an appointment for an interview. Before approaching a district, students must have a resume or curriculum vita in hand, and be prepared to apply and be interviewed by the special education director, agency director or designated staff member. If after the interview, the practicum site is amenable and the student is still interested in the site, the process of drafting an agreement begins. Step 1: Browse through the school psychology practicum roster (See Below). Step 2: Choose one or two sites to contact by telephone. See the enclosed Contact Script for a sample conversation. Step 3: Send resume or vita and/or make interview appointment, as directed by the site contact person. Step 4: Once a site is selected, a meeting should be scheduled with the university faculty supervisor for the drafting of your practicum agreement. Step 5: Register for, PSY 6348 (Practicum in Consultation, Fall semester) or PSY 6349 (Practicum in Assessment, Spring semester). UHV School Psychology Practicum Handbook Page 5

School Psychology Practicum Site Roster Sites where UHV School Psychology students have completed practica or internships 1. Dewitt Lavaca Coop in Cuero for students in the Victoria and surrounding area Site supervisor is Quentin Yancey LSSP E-Mail is quentin@dlsec.org Phone: 361-275-6766 2. Fort Bend ISD in Sugar Land for students in Sugar Land/Houston area Site supervisor is Dr. Ellen Verret E-Mail is Verret@fortbend.k12.tx.us Phone: 281-634-3109 3. Alief ISD for students in Houston/Alief area Site supervisor is Monica Rojas E-Mail is Monica.Rojas@aliefisd.net 4. Katy ISD for students in Houston/Katy area Site supervisor is Dr. Anita Horton Phone: 281-396-6229 5. Spring ISD Christine Hess, Director Special Education Assessment & Appraisal 281-891-6265 6. Houston ISD Cooley Campus, HISD 1615 Rutland Houston, TX 77008 Nperez4@houstonisd.org 713-556-7025 7. Stafford MSD Stafford Municipal School District 1625 Staffordshire Road Stafford, TX 77477 8. Pearland ISD 281-485-3203 http://www.pearlandisd.org 9. Spring Branch ISD http://www.springbranchisd.com/ UHV School Psychology Practicum Handbook Page 6

10. Humble ISD http://www.humble.k12.tx.us 11. Pasadena ISD http://www.pasadenaisd.org Visit Region IV for a map of school district sites in and around the Houston area http://www.esc4.net/default.aspx?name=hr.emp_map_links Click on district links to learn more about each site. Visit Region III for a map of school district sites in an around the Victoria area http://www.esc3.net/index.php/districts Click on district links to learn more about each site. UHV School Psychology Practicum Handbook Page 7

Initial Contact Script Instructions: This is a suggested script for the student s initial contact with a potential site supervisor. Feel free to use all our part of this script as a guide for this initial conversation. Student: Hello, my name is. I am a student in the School Psychology program at the University of Houston-Victoria, and I m calling to speak with you about the possibility of completing a school psychology practicum in your district. The Practicum Program requires that I complete 150 hours during the course of a semester at the site. This works out to about 8 hours per week. I will need to be supervised weekly by an on-site supervisor, who is currently an LSSP. Do you have any such opportunities in your district? (If the Agency representative responds positively, then you may ask for a brief meeting with the special education director and or campus administrator). If possible, I would like to come visit you so that I can tell you more about the Practicum Program and so that you can see if you might be interested in having me as a practicum student in your district this year. When will be a good day and time to visit your district? Thank you for your time, I look forward to meeting with you. UHV School Psychology Practicum Handbook Page 8

School Psychology Practicum Class (General) Requirements Each practicum student will be assigned a university supervisor who is a faculty member of the School Psychology Program and who holds an appropriate credential: either Nationally Certified School Psychologist (NCSP), Licensed Psychologist, or Licensed Specialist in School Psychology (LSSP). University supervision will occur both at the practicum site and at the university or at any other mutually agreed upon place. The practicum student will be responsible for documenting for the university supervisor the duties s/he has performed. The university supervisor may also consult or confer with the field-based supervisor at any time regarding the practicum student s progress, and the university supervisor may request a formal evaluation if deemed appropriate. This option for formal evaluation may also be requested by the student or field-based supervisor. The university supervisor will serve as a consultant in mediating any difficulties and as a resource regarding technical information, ethics, standards procedures, rules and regulations, etc. UHV students in the School Psychology program are required to complete 2 practica: Assessment Practica (150 hours) and Consultation/Intervention Practica (150 hours), totaling 300 hours. Practicum Course Requirements In addition to the requirements of the practicum site, students are required to adhere to the following: 1. Students must complete 150 hours of contact for each practica, totaling 300 UHV School Psychology Practicum Handbook Page 9

hours. Activities should be related to providing psychological services in the schools (administering testing measures, scoring protocols, attending trainings, providing counseling as a related service, writing counseling IEP s and casenotes, etc.). 2. Students must demonstrate competencies related to consultation, intervention and assessment skills, as outlined by the NASP Domains of Practice. 3. Practicum students are required to attend weekly class sessions and complete all other course requirements as outlined in the course syllabus. UHV School Psychology Practicum Handbook Page 10

School Psychology Practicum Site Requirements (Assessment) 1. To complete 150 hours of supervised practicum experience 2. To participate in the following under a licensees supervision: a. the administration and interpretation of individual psychological instruments, b. utilization of multidimensional concepts of intelligence, c. the preparation of written reports including strengths and weaknesses d. participation in the multidisciplinary team decision-making, e. effective communication with teachers, f. demonstrate awareness of cultural diversity and student needs, and g. follow NASP ethical guidelines in the delivery of school psychological services and work in a professional manner. Below is a list of suggested activities for the semester. The site supervisor and the student will come to an agreement regarding the amount of cases and activities that are needed to fulfill the hours requirement, practicum goals and NASP Domains of Practice competencies for the semester. Activity Suggested Assessment (administered and scored) o Intellectual Assessment Measures 5 o Achievement Measures 5 o Behavior/Personality Rating Scales 10 o Clinical Child Interviews 3 o Clinical Parent Interviews 3 Supervision o Hour(s) per week 1 Number alone with primary supervisor 1 UHV School Psychology Practicum Handbook Page 11

School Psychology Practicum Site Requirements (Consultation) 1. To complete 150 hours of supervised practicum experience 2. To participate in the following under a licensees supervision: a. The provision of individual and group counseling sessions b. Participation in teacher consultation & parent consultation c. The preparation of FBAs, BIPs, IEPs d. Participation in the multidisciplinary team decision-making e. Effective communication with teachers, parents, & administrators f. Demonstrate awareness of cultural diversity and student needs g. Preparation & delivery of teacher in-services h. Follow NASP ethical guidelines in the delivery of school psychological services and work in a professional manner Below is a list of suggested activities for the semester. The site supervisor and the student will come to an agreement regarding the amount of cases and activities that are needed to fulfill the hours requirement, practicum goals and NASP Domains of Practice competencies for the semester. Activity Suggested Consultation Activities o Functional Behavioral Assessments (FBAs) 5 o Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs) 5 o ARD Attendance with parent/guardian consent 3 o Individual Counseling Cases 5 o Group Counseling Cases 5 o In service Teacher Presentation 1 Supervision o Hour(s) per week 1 Number alone with primary supervisor 1 UHV School Psychology Practicum Handbook Page 12

SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGY PROGRAM MEMORANDUM OF AGREEMENT FOR PRACTICUM Relative to supervision of specialist in school psychology practicum students, the following is understood and agreed to by the undersigned. 1. will serve as a graduate level practicum student in school psychology from the University of Houston-Victoria. The practicum setting location is. 2. The practicum will begin on, and end on, for an approximate total of hours. (Hours must be completed by the end of the UHV semester for a final grade to be awarded.) 3. period. My LSSP license number is will serve as the field-based supervisor for the same. Responsibilities of field-based supervisors: a. Field-based supervisors must hold a current LSSP licensure. b. Field-based supervisors are responsible for all duties performed by the student while under supervision. c. Field-based supervisors will review test protocols, counseling records or notes, reports, etc. and directly observe the student s professional skills. d. All psychological reports/evaluations and legal documents must be cosigned by field-based supervisors. e. Field-based supervisors are responsible for completing student evaluation forms throughout the semester. f. Field-based supervisors are responsible for no less than one hour per week of regularly scheduled contact with the student concerning task supervision. g. Field-based supervisors are available by appointment as requested by the practicum student. h. Field-based supervisors are available for contact on emergency basis as needed. Practicum Student Responsibilities Malpractice insurance. Students must obtain student malpractice insurance prior to the first day clients are seen at the assigned practicum site. There are multiple sources for such insurance. Student NASP members qualify for: The Student Educator Professional Liability Plan while they are engaged in internship or practicum. As of 8/9/10 this policy was available for $25 per year from the NASP Member Insurance Program administered by Forrest T. Jones & Company at: http://www.ftj.com/educatorliability/acei/tx UHV School Psychology Practicum Handbook Page 13

a. Work with psychological services staff members on comprehensive assessments, case consultations, etc., as the occasion arises. b. Staff meeting attendance to include: In-service meetings of psychological and student appraisal staffs. Miscellaneous staff meetings when possible. c. Workshop or in-services, planning and implementation assistance for teachers, counselors, and other personnel. d. Assistance in planning appropriate interventions for referred children, and participation in these interventions, including counseling or development of behavior plans, if appropriate. e. Participation in campus screening committees and ARDs. f. Resource services to the school staff appropriate to the practicum student s level of training. g. Other activities as appropriate. h. The UHV School Psychology program will designate a faculty member to act as the UHV Practicum Supervisor. i. Regularly scheduled contact with the practicum student will be held with the Supervisor. j. Adherence to the administrative policies, rules, standards, schedules and practices of the facility. k. Arrangements for his/her own transportation. PRACTICUM WORK SCHEDULE: DAY(s) TIME(s) THIS AGREEMENT SHALL BE EFFECTIVE WHEN SIGNED BY ALL PARTIES By: By: By: School Psychology Program Supervisor University of Houston-Victoria Field-Based Supervisor School Psychology Practicum Student Date Date Date UHV School Psychology Practicum Handbook Page 14

University of Houston-Victoria Practicum in School Psychology Faculty Supervisor Introductory Letter Dear Site Supervisor: I would like to thank you for participating as a supervisor in the University of Houston-Victoria (UHV) School Psychology Practicum Program. The purpose of this practicum is to provide students with the opportunity to gain practical experience in school psychology. Students are required to spend 150 hours on-site (8-hours per week) for assessment practica and 150 hours on-site (8-hours per week) for consultation practica. The on-site supervisor meets with the student on a weekly basis for 1 hour of supervision to help the student process the week s activities via supervision. It is our belief that the Practicum Program is mutually enriching: Our students learn from you and, in return, they enrich school districts with their enthusiasm, service and creative energies. Again, I am grateful for your involvement with our program. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions. Sincerely, Elise Hendricker Elise Hendricker, Ph.D. Assistant Professor University of Houston --- Victoria 3007 N. Ben Wilson Victoria, TX 77901 HendrickerE@uhv.edu UHV School Psychology Practicum Handbook Page 15

School Psychology Program Practicum Goals Student's Name: Date Practicum Site Practicum Supervisor: Date: The following learning experiences are expected of students during their practicum experience. Assessment Goal 1: The practicum student will demonstrate the ability to conduct a parent interview based on referral concern (psychological). Goal 2: The practicum student will demonstrate the ability to conduct a teacher interview (psycho-educational, psychological). Goal 3: The student will demonstrate the ability to write Behavioral Intervention Plans Goal 4: The student will demonstrate the ability to conduct an intellectual assessment. Goal 5: The student will demonstrate the ability to conduct a psychological assessment. Goal 6: The student will demonstrate the ability to conduct various observational techniques. Goal 7: The student will demonstrate the ability to write behavioral/counseling IEPs Goal 8: The practicum student will demonstrate the ability to write and disseminate results and recommendations in reports (psycho-educational, psychological, FBA, etc). Goal 9: The practicum student will demonstrate the ability to communicate to families, school personnel, and other agencies in a formal and informal setting. Goal 10: The student will demonstrate the ability to conduct a functional behavioral assessment (FBA). UHV School Psychology Practicum Handbook Page 16

Consultation Goal 1: The practicum student will demonstrate a broad understanding of the organizational framework of the school district. Goal 2: The practicum student will be introduced to the administrative functioning of the school district. Goal 3: The practicum student will be introduced to the various roles and functions of school-based professionals. Goal 4: The practicum student will be introduced to and develop an understanding of the ARD process and the district s RTI process. Goal 5: The practicum student will facilitate community support resources for various concerns. Goal 6: The student will demonstrate proficiency in conducting consultation in applied settings. Empirically Based Treatments Goal 1: The practicum student will demonstrate the ability to provide direct services or develop treatment plans for direct service for psychological problems. Goal 2: The practicum student will demonstrate the ability to provide direct service or develop treatment plans for behavioral problems. Goal 3: The practicum student will demonstrate the ability to provide or IEP for direct counseling services for students in crisis situation. Goal 4: The practicum student will demonstrate the ability to learn empirically supported interventions in academic and behavioral concerns and disseminate that information to others. Goal 5: The practicum student will demonstrate the ability to communicate for the purpose of dissemination of knowledge such as a training, workshop, etc. Goal 6: The practicum student will demonstrate the ability to present a case presentation to others by using the data based problem solving framework. Goal 7: The practicum student will demonstrate the ability to write progress notes, behavioral intervention plans, and IEPs. Supervision UHV School Psychology Practicum Handbook Page 17

Goal 1: The practicum student will demonstrate the ability to accept feedback from supervisors. Goal 2: The practicum student will incorporate previous and on-going feedback within future practice. Goal 3: The practicum student will self reflect or self monitor his or her own professional performance and change behavior. Goal 4: The practicum student will demonstrate the ability to identify where the supervisees are in their developmental level of supervision. Goal 5: The practicum student will demonstrate ability to identify group dynamics and system dynamics within their school system and his or her supervisees. Goal 6: The practicum student will be able to identify the needs of the respective system and define goals with the site for the school psychologists in training. Goal 7: Within supervision, the practicum student will conceptualize and articulate the theoretical models underlying his or her practice. UHV School Psychology Practicum Handbook Page 18

SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGY PROGRAM CODE ACTIVITIES Practicum Log Coding System As Assessment Related Activities (NASP 2.1). Activities having as a primary focus the gathering of information to answer specific referral questions for both regular and / or special education. These may include but are not limited to administration and scoring of formal and informal tests, report writing, behavioral observations, review of cumulative records, interviews with parents, staff, agencies, teachers, and data analysis and integration. DInt Direct Intervention (NASP 2.4, 2.7). Activities of a non-assessment nature which have the focus of affecting change. These may include but are not limited to group counseling or therapy, individual counseling or therapy, remediation of learning difficulties, direct instruction (social skills affective education, etc.) or feedback to student. CC Consultation and Collaboration (NASP 2.2). Consultation and collaboration with teachers and other school personnel on an individual or group basis, participation in team meetings (pre-referral, instructional, ARD committee, etc.), and system-level consultation efforts. HSC Home/School Community Collaboration (NASP 2.8). Work with parents and families for assessment, consultation, intervention, etc. May also include parent training. PII Prevention and Indirect Intervention (NASP 2.3, 2.7). Activities of a non-assessment nature including but not limited to primary prevention activities (e.g., prevention of bullying, suicide, substance abuse, etc.), development of intervention strategies, presentation at staff development in-services, meetings, and other prevention/intervention activities. SSO School System Orientation (NASP 2.6). Non-assessment and non-intervention observation related to the orientation to the regular and special education school environment, including orientation meetings, introductions, observation of classrooms and programs. PD Professional Development (NASP 2.10, 2.11). Specific activities which focus on the development of professional skills, including but not limited to attendance at local, state, national conferences, in-services, professional reading, etc. Note. The number of PD hours that can be applied to the total is limited and must be negotiated with the university supervisor. UHV School Psychology Practicum Handbook Page 19

USup University Supervision (NASP 3.1). Supervision provided by an appropriately credentialed psychologist acting as the university program representative. A minimum of one site visit is required for those completing practicum in the local area. However, regular communication and meetings are expected and should be documented. FSup Field Supervision (NASP 3.1). Formal supervision provided by an appropriately credentialed professional, e.g. Licensed Specialist in School Psychology, Nationally Certified School Psychologist, The field supervisor s signature is required on the log to verify the other activities performed and listed. UHV School Psychology Practicum Handbook Page 20

SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGY Practicum Log Form PRACTICUM STUDENT NAME PAGE # SEMESTER/YEAR SITE SUPERVISOR PRACTICUM SITE PRACTICUM TYPE: Assessment/Consultation (Circle One) Date Location Activity Code Hours Supervisor Signature UHV School Psychology Practicum Handbook Page 21

Student Name: SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGY PROGRAM PRACTICUM SUMMARY FORM Mailing Address: Practicum Site(s): Practicum Site(s) Mailing Address: Site Phone: ( ) Site Supervisor Name: Site Supervisor s Degree/Title: University Supervisor Name: Beginning Date of Practicum: Ending Date of Practicum: Total Hours of Practicum: To be completed at the end of each semester. UHV School Psychology Practicum Handbook Page 22

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PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS RELATED TO SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGY Students in the UHV School Psychology Program are strongly encouraged and mentored to consider membership in one or more of the professional organizations related to the field. In addition to providing professional journals, newsletters, and networking opportunities, organizational membership provides students eligibility for low cost professional liability insurance. Below are national, state, and local professional associations and affiliates for which students may be eligible: Psi Chi National Association of School Psychologists (NASP): www.nasponline.org Houston Psychological Association (HPA): http://www.hpaonline.org/ Texas Association of School Psychologists (TASP): http://txasp.org/ American Psychological Association (APA): http://www.apa.org Texas Psychological Association (TPA); http://www.texaspsyc.org/ International School Psychology Association (ISPA); http://www.ispaweb.org/ Psi Chi is the National Honor Society in Psychology, founded in 1929 for the purposes of encouraging, stimulating, and maintaining excellence in scholarship. Psi Chi is committed to the advancement of the science of psychology, and offers opportunities to its members for experience and growth not only as students, but as professionals. The University of Houston Victoria Psi Chi Chapter was created to encourage, stimulate, and maintain excellence in scholarship of the individual members in all fields, particularly in psychology, and to advance the science of psychology. Student Members must be students enrolled in undergraduate or graduate programs at the time of induction. Only student members shall be entitled to hold UHV School Psychology Practicum Handbook Page 33

chapter office. Visit the UHV Psi Chi website at http://www.uhv.edu/student_org/pc/default.asp to learn more. UHV School Psychology Practicum Handbook Page 34