School Psychologist Essay

The purpose of this paper is to interview a school psychologist and gain a greater understanding of assessments, and student eligibility, and requirements. The interview was done by Jessica Guerrero and interviewee Michele DuVall, who is a school psychologist at Montclair High School. The school is part of the Chaffey Joint Union High School District, the district has 12 schools ranging from high school to adult school. The amount of students that attend Montclair High School is 3,034, making it a large high school population. Montclair High School student body consists of 85%

An examination is required: all candidates, even if they have obtained certification elsewhere must take the general Praxis test (State certification requirements, 2012, American School Counselor).

School counselors provide individual and group counseling for issues that impact academic achievement (Erford, 2015). Counselors in schools typically provide prevention, education, crisis response, and short term intervention services (ASCA, 2008). School counselors create groups from data, and usually develop psychoeducational groups to address identified skills needed (ASCA, 2008). While school counselors are taught how to respond to mental health issues, they concentrate on problems that are impeding personal, social, career, or educational development (Erford, 2015). Professional school counselors often choose strengths based and brief approaches to counseling to support student success (Erford, 2015). Individual counseling in schools provides students with resilience, encouragement, empowerment, acceptance, and a secure relationship (Erford, 2015). School counselors provide either counseling or psychoeducational groups. The counseling groups are crisis, problem, or growth centered. School counselors are able to provide many

The Florida association of school psychologist has come about years after of the field of psychology’s birth. It wasn’t until dozens of policies began being put into place and modified, tests being created and proper training being established, that the job of a school psychologist was formed. As more time passed and people have become more and more aware of school psychologist and their roles, organizations aimed at continuing to grow and better the field were created. In particular, the Florida association of school psychologists and its father organization, The Florida psychological association are two very influential organizations in regards to the Florida educational system.

Psychologists work in a vast array of areas with a myriad of clients; school children may be assessed for special services or supports in school based on individual needs, adults may self refer for various reasons including stress, marital issues, anxiety, or an infinite assortment of other potential personal reasons, or those facing the legal system may be assessed for their ability to stand trial. It is up to the psychologist to be educated in the tools available to them in their chosen field and how to best use them in the situations presented so the client is best served. In order to best select a proper assessment tool, often it is necessary to conduct an intake interview in order to obtain historical background from the

and become a National Certified School Psychologist (NCSP). Jaylene indicated that she is one of 2 school psychologists employed by the special services cooperative that serves 17 school districts, therefore her role as a School Psychologist is limited to analyzing data submitted by the school and parents, administering assessments and analyzing results, compiling all data into a formative report depicting eligibility for services. Jaylene said that her role in the intervention and development of strategies is very limited and is mainly the responsibility of the local teams.

Crespi, T. D., & Politikos, N. N. (2012). Personality Assessment for School Psychologists: Considerations and Issues for Contemporary Practice. Journal Of Infant, Child & Adolescent Psychotherapy, 11(3), 229-237.

for inclusion in School of Professional Psychology by an authorized administrator of CommonKnowledge. For more information, please contact

In addition, a survey was used from the Los Angeles Unified School District, who used school psychologists to discuss their exposure and experience with the SM child. Content validity was assured through asking psychologists from 7 practicing schools to check the initial draft for clarity, readability, and easiness of question responses. Participants were obtained from practicing psychologists in California and a link placed on the local affiliate organization of psychologists. The qualitative research design used was a descriptive survey to collect data for the Quantitative Study. Regarding ethical considerations, the study was approved by IRB it was an anonymous study with only adults participating. There was no identifying information on the participants; It was also explained to the participant that they had the option to opt out of the study at any point of the study. Data was analyzed through survey and completed questions on the survey was compiled, scored and organized. Also, input integrity of data was checked. Furthermore, the number of SM cases vs. the number of years the school psychologist worked were correlated.

To be a psychologist in most schools a master’s degree is required which takes approximately 6-8 years after High School and majoring in psychology. Volunteer work while in school is not required but definitely beneficially for a resume. It will also require obtaining a state license for most states, especially working with children. Although for school based settings a master’s degree is typically accepted, some schools do require a PhD which would require further

While working on a doctoral degree, most programs will require one year internship. When earning a PhD it is required to complete a residency training program under a practicing clinician which will take about three years to complete. You can also receive a voluntary certification from the American board of organizational and business consulting psychology (ABOBCP). After receiving a doctoral degree and/or a voluntary certification, work experience is crucial and so is passing the psychology exam to be able to practice psychology. After passing the psychology exam, the next step is to apply for a state license.

In order to be successful in this specific career, I must take a college prep curriculum in high school. Next, complete undergraduate requirements and maintain high grades. Research experience at the undergraduate level will help me in the graduate level. Then, I could possibly join professional organizations as a student. Next, I would complete degree requirements and practicum courses. After that, find possible internships. Then, I would train for a full year under adult supervision. Finally, "pass the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology. Many states also require an oral examination. Criminal background checks and references are other common requirements" (). Lastly, begin to develop my career!

Psychology is my intended major and a requirement for me to obtain an associates degree and pre

Once that is achieved you can then complete the application for licensure. The board will evaluate your application and if everything looks in order you will be eligible to take the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP). Depending on the results of your test scores, you will be able to become licensed or not.

Continuing, psychology is a growing field of interest for people and that explains why so many international students are coming to the United States to study it. One huge reason for international students to come to America to study psychology is the American Psychological Association. The APA opens up so many career opportunities for students in the United States because they recognize over 50 subdivisions of psychology, making career options immense for college students. A couple examples of this division include: neuropsychologists, social psychologists and industrial organizational psychologists. All of these careers stray away from the main stream counseling that is always automatically associated with psychology. The United States prides