School Psychologist

ADMISSIONS PROCEDURES

Applicants are admitted through the following admissions procedures:

1. A review of undergraduate records with a minimum cumulative average of 3.0, and an average of 3.0 in all courses in Psychology and Education.

2. A personal statement.

3. Three written recommendations are required. At least two letters must be from undergraduate or graduate instructors in psychology and/or education. All reference letters should be on the instructors’ stationery. Additional letters of recommendation are also appropriate from a current job or from a recent job related to education and/or psychology.

4. A review of resume that includes educational history and work experiences.

5. A personal interview.

6. A writing sample at the time of the interview.

Program Criteria

• Grade-Point Average: Candidates must maintain a B (3.0) grade-point average in order to remain matriculated in the program.

• Seminars: New York State law mandates that all candidates provide documentation that they have completed seminars in (a) Child Abuse, Prevention, and Intervention, (b) Harassment, Bullying, and Discrimination Prevention and Intervention (DASA), and (c) School Violence Prevention and Intervention

• Culminating Experience – Professional Performance-Based Portfolio: All candidates in their internship year prepare a Professional Performance-Based Portfolio for submission to the faculty.

• This portfolio consists of case studies in areas including assessment, academic and behavioral interventions, counseling and consultation, a research project, a resume, and a personal statement. The portfolios will be reviewed by the faculty and provide evidence of competency in all 10 NASP domains.

• PRAXIS Examination: All candidates are required to take the PRAXIS II (specialty) exam in School Psychology prior to graduation. Their scores must be reported to the School Psychology Office and are required as part of national certification as a School Psychologist. Registration information can be obtained from the Educational Testing Service (ETS) at 609-771-7395 or www.ets.org/praxis. Other information is available at nasponline.org.

• Anthology: Candidates are required to purchase an Anthology ePortfolio subscription in order to submit their assignments as directed until graduation.

• Insurance: It is necessary for practica and internship candidates to purchase malpractice insurance, which is available at low cost through the American Psychological Association or the National Association of School Psychologists. Student membership in either organization is required in order to be eligible for insurance. A fee of approximately $30.00 will be charged for each year of insurance.

• Candidate Professional Behavior: Candidates must demonstrate professional work characteristics, including ethical and legal conduct. All candidates follow the APA and NASP Ethical Codes.

• Candidate Personal Characteristics: Each semester a review of candidates will be conducted to decide whether they are progressing satisfactorily. Responsible training for work in school and mental health settings requires that in addition to meeting academic requirements, candidates must have appropriate personal and professional characteristics. These include—but are not limited to— communication skills, interpersonal skills, respect for human diversity, professional judgment, and ethical conduct. In addition, candidates are expected to demonstrate sensitivity to client issues and effective management of personal stress or adjustment difficulties. At the end of each semester, the faculty of the School Psychology program will evaluate each candidate’s suitability for continuation in the program, considering information from all sources in the program and related settings. The decision that a candidate must leave the program on academic and/or professional/personal grounds will be made by the program faculty and may be appealed, should the candidate wish, to a special Ad Hoc Appeals Committee of the department, which will include no one who participated in the initial evaluation.

Requirements to Advance to Practica and Internship

Candidates who do not receive B (3.0) or better in assessment or practica courses (ECP 772, 773, 774, 775, 777, 778, 781, 861, 867, 868) may not proceed to subsequent practica and internships except with permission of the faculty. Candidates may be asked to do additional work such as retaking a course or courses and/or spending additional time in the field, if it is thought this will be sufficient to help them demonstrate competency in a reasonable time.

Continuity of Study

Any break in the continuity of study or leave of absence by a candidate will require a review by the faculty before the candidate returns to the program and study is resumed. Such reviews could result in requiring candidates to retake courses or other requirements to ensure competencies are maintained.

All candidates must meet appropriate academic and scholarship standards to remain in and complete the program. They must also demonstrate appropriate personal, professional, and ethical conduct as established by the program and school psychology profession (i.e., ethical and professional standards in psychology and school psychology, including APA and NASP). Candidates are expected to abide by the CUNY policy on Academic Integrity. All candidates are subject to review and sanctions, including dismissal, as a result of academic and/or professional deficiencies. Candidates have the right to appeal all decisions regarding academic performance and personal and/or professional behavior as per college, department, and program policies.

Student Appeal Process

Candidates have the right to appeal all decisions regarding academic performance and personal and/or professional behavior. Appeals are made to a special Ad Hoc Appeals Committee of the department and beyond, to the Graduate Scholastic Standards Committee.