School Psychology

Overview

GSEAP offers programs leading to the Master of Arts degree and the Certificate of Advanced Study in School Psychology. The programs are shaped by the belief that school psychologists are best prepared when they are instilled with a scientist/practitioner problem-solving orientation, encouraged to think reflectively, motivated to intervene at the primary prevention level, and inspired to be proactive agents of change. The program is designed according to the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) curriculum guidelines, and leads students to develop competencies in the areas of assessment, consultation, and direct intervention. The program also reflects the GSEAP's Conceptual Framework which includes emphases on the scientist-practitioner tradition, reflective practice, primary prevention, developmental and systems theory, and becoming agents of change. Candidates evolve as professionals through classroom experiences and opportunities to apply their growing knowledge and skills in schools and clinical agencies.

To be endorsed for State Certification, a student must complete both the M.A. and C.A.S degree requirements. Upon completing the M.A., students must formally submit an application for entry into the C.A.S. program. Those wishing to enter the program at the C.A.S. level must hold a related master's degree and must complete a minimum of 30 credits at Fairfield.

Admission Qualifications for Certification Program

Candidates for certification must:

• Pass an entry examination of essential skills in reading, writing, and mathematics (PRAXIS I - PPST) or must have this requirement waived based on appropriate SAT, ACT, PAA, or GRE scores.
• Have achieved a GPA of at least 2.67 (waivers are available on a case by case basis and may require supplemental undergraduate coursework to increase the undergraduate GPA and/or completion of two approved graduate education courses, depending on GPA.)

Course of Study

Master of Arts (M.A., 33 credits)

• Issues in Professional Practice in School Psychology
• Behavioral Statistics
• Psychology of Personality
• Psychopathology and Classification I
• Treatment Models for School-Age Youth
• Developmental Psychology I: Theory and Application in Professional Practice
• Theories of Learning
• Psychoeducational Assessment I: Academic Achievement
• Psychoeducational Issues in Special Education - OR -
  Exceptional Learners in the Mainstream
• Developmental and Remedial Reading and Language Arts
• Multicultural Issues in Counseling
• Pass Master's Comprehensive Examination or take Thesis Option (PY 596 Master's Thesis in Psychology course must be taken if the Thesis Option is approved.)

Certificate of Advanced Study (C.A.S., 30 credits)

• Introduction to Clinical Child Neuropsychology
• Collaborative Consultation
• Psychoeducational Assessment II: Cognitive
• Psychoeducational Assessment III: Socio-Emotional Functioning
• Psychoeducational Assessment IV: Integrated Assessment
• Psychotherapeutic Techniques for School-Age Youth
• Field Work in Child Study I & II
• Internship in School Psychology I & II
• Take the Praxis II test in School Psychology (test code #0400)

Practicum

The program seeks to provide opportunities to test theory in practical settings. All courses in the three content areas - consultation, assessment, and direct intervention - include both theoretical foundations and practical experience. Experience with teachers, children, and schools culminates in the internship required for state certification.

Portfolios

Throughout the program, students maintain a cumulative portfolio documenting their growth. The portfolio consists of personal and professional mission statements, philosophies of education and school psychology, case analyses, assessment reports, journal entries, and self- and supervisor evaluations. The portfolio serves as a tool with which to evaluate and establish goals and as helpful documentation when seeking employment or applying to doctoral programs. Students in the C.A.S. program also complete and e-portfolio.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of Fairfield's program are employed widely throughout Connecticut and in other states. Many of these alumni are helpful to new school psychologists and students in the program, providing professional and personal support. The program encourages networking among students and alumni, and sponsors several social events that bring them together during the course of the year. This networking not only fosters support among students but also promotes reflective discussion and practice.