school psych FAQs

SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGY PROGRAM

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the accreditation status of the UW-RF school psychology program?

In January 2009, the program was granted conditional approval by the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP). Graduates of the program are considered graduates of a NASP approved program. Graduates of NASP-approved programs are eligible for licensure in Minnesota and Wisconsin and most other jurisdictions nationwide. A more straightforward path to National Certification in School Psychology (NCSP) is also open to graduates of NASP-approved programs. For more information about national certification, see: www.nasponline.org/certification/becoming_NCSP.aspx. Additionally, the program is approved by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI). The UW-River Falls school psychology program meets all state training standards.

Who are school psychologists?

The National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) describes school psychologists as having specialized training in both psychology and education. They use their training and skills to team with educators, parents, and other mental health professionals to ensure that every child learns in a safe, healthy and supportive environment. School psychologists understand school systems, effective teaching and successful learning. Today's children face more challenges than ever before. School psychologists can provide solutions for tomorrow's problems through thoughtful and positive actions today. Daily roles of the school psychologist can involve conducting psychological evaluations (tests, observations, interviews, etc.), consulting with parents and other professionals, developing intervention strategies for students, and a variety of other services. For more specific information about what school psychologists do, please go to the NASP website ( www.nasponline.org ). Then click on “NASP and School Psychology” followed by “What is a School Psychologist?”

What is unique about the school psychology program at UW-RF?

While focused on educating students comprehensively in several domains of practice, as required by NASP-approved programs, the program at UW-RF particularly emphasizes culturally responsive practice, collaboration, and excellent data-based decision making. We believe these skills are the present and future of school psychology. Our program has included students from a variety of backgrounds, including working adults with several years of experience, recent college graduates, students with families and children, as well as students from Minnesota, Wisconsin, and other states and countries. Diverse student cohorts lead to thought-provoking class discussions and other educational experiences that challenge students to stretch their comfort zones.

The standard sequence of courses in the UWRF school psychology program was designed to be four years in length, as opposed to the more traditional three-year time line that most specialist level school psychology programs utilize. Although work reduction, sabbaticals, or leaves of absence are recommended during the practicum and internship years (3rd & 4th years), many students work part-time or even full time during the first two years of the program, in addition to their completion of course work. How can this be done? Virtually all of our courses are offered in the evenings, most starting at 4:00 or 4:30. Students are expected to carry a full-time course load of at least 8 credits per semester during the fall and spring semesters. While the evening based courses and the four years of training are not for everyone, many students find the pace to be a critical part of their success, allowing them to maintain employment and/or time for other obligations as needed.

What is the sequence of study at UW-RF?

The training program at UW-RF is organized in a sequential manner. During their first year in the program, students typically take introductory course in several areas. These areas include Introduction to School Psychology, Introduction to Guidance and Counseling, and Introduction to Learning Disability. Students also take support courses that are designed to provide a foundation in education and issues such as special populations. Support courses include The Exceptional Child, and courses in elementary or secondary education curriculum.

In their second year in the program, students are expected to take core courses in School Psychology. Core courses primarily involve intervention and assessment courses, where students are trained to develop interventions for various learning and behavioral problems, and use information from assessment procedures to have a positive impact on students.

The requirements for the third year include a twenty (20) hour per week practicum in various school settings. The practicum is a 600 hour supervised experience for an entire school year. In addition to their practicum responsibilities, students complete their final courses. During the fall of their third year, or during the spring of the third year, students take the national exam in school psychology (PRAXIS II). The national exam in school psychology is administered by the Educational Testing Service (ETS). A score of 165 or better on the PRAXIS II exam is necessary for the students to complete their training requirements at UWRF.

Students complete their Internship in School Psychology in their fourth year. Completion of an internship year, in addition to successfully passing the PRAXIS II exam in school psychology, allows a student to become eligible for national certification as a school psychologist. Completion of the internship and a passing score on the PRAXIS II exam are also necessary for students to receive the Education Specialist degree (Ed.S.).

I have a provisional license as a school psychologist, but I was trained in counseling or clinical psychology. If I already have an advanced degree and training in counseling or clinical psychology, can I receive a degree from UWRF after submitting my transcripts to the university?

The University of Wisconsin - River Falls can only grant degrees to students who have taken the bulk and core or their courses (credits) from this institution. The program in school psychology at UWRF, for example, can not waive practicum/internship in school psychology for a student who has completed a practicum/internship in counseling or clinical psychology. A student can only receive a degree and be considered a graduate from UWRF if they have taken the core courses in school psychology from UWRF. A degree can not be granted based solely on transcripts submitted to the university.

If I already have an advanced degree, can I complete the program in less time?

Even though a student may have an advanced degree in clinical or counseling psychology or other related field, it is still difficult to complete the program in less than four years. A student with an advanced degree may transfer up to 9 approved credits into the program, but the time to complete the program is not typically shortened.

I have taken an undergraduate course in an area similar to program expectations; can I submit my undergraduate course to fulfill a graduate course requirement?

Only a graduate course can be submitted for transfer credits, and the transfer course is accepted only if it closely matches a UWRF School Psychology course. Consult with your advisor or program director about transfer credits. Credit transfers should be taken care of before or during the first semester of training.

I have experience working with special populations, such as working with children with an emotional or behavioral disorder. Can I get credit for life experience and waive the expectations of a class in this area?

The School Psychology Program at UWRF does not give credit for work or life experience to fulfill a class requirement. Class requirements can only be waived through credits documented on a transcript. However, work experience may be considered an asset during the application process.

What is a full-time course load?

A full-time graduate course load at UWRF is eight credits. If you are seeking financial aid, consult with your loan provider for credit expectations. It may be necessary to carry eight credits per semester. Students should plan on an average of eight credits per semester to complete the program in four years. A typical graduate level course at UWRF is three credits.

What are the work load expectations of a graduate course?

In addition to the time that a student spends in class, students should assume that for every credit of a graduate course, three hours of work outside of class is typical each week. For example, for a three credit graduate course, the student can expect to spend nine hours outside of class performing tasks to meet the course expectations. The time spent outside of class involves reading course materials, conducting research, producing assignments, collaborating with program colleagues, and working with volunteers when getting practice with appraisal and intervention tools.

When do classes meet?

Classes meet Monday through Thursday from September through May. Most graduate level classes will begin at 4:00 p.m. or later. Students in the School Psychology training program can expect to take classes either two or three evenings per week. Courses during one summer session is required when students start the Ed.S portion of the program. A limited number of other courses are offered during the summer as well. Summer session course times vary, with some being offered during the day, while others are offered in late afternoon/early evening.

Where are students placed for practicum?

Practicum students are placed in cooperating school districts in western Wisconsin, and districts in the twin cities areas of St. Paul and Minneapolis. Students are expected to complete two 300 hour practicum experiences in two different locations (e.g., one urban, one rural), for a total of 600 hours of field-based practicum work. This is equivalent to 20 hours per week in a school setting for an entire school year. Students are expected to make practicum a priority. If necessary, students may need to plan for a sabbatical from work in order to complete their field experience and final year of course-work.

Can practicum as a whole or any portion of practicum be completed over the summer?

The practicum experience can not be completed during the summer. Registration for practicum only occurs during fall and spring semester, as students are expected to attend and participate in individual university supervision, and group supervision. These aspects of training are not available during the summer and are an important part of the practicum experience. Students are placed in a school setting for an academic year from fall through spring, averaging 20 hours per week. There, it is hoped that students will provide a variety of direct services to children, teachers, parents, and administrators.

I have completed most of my master's level requirements, but have an incomplete in a class. Can I start my specialist (Ed.S.) Program and finish my incomplete at the same time?

All master's coursework must be completed before a student enters the specialist program. The student must have grades for all required master's classes before starting the specialist program.

Where is UW-River Falls located?

The University of Wisconsin - River Falls is located in western Wisconsin, approximately a 30 minute drive from St. Paul, Minnesota. Click on Map for a more detailed view, and for directions.

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SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGY PROGRAM

Frequently Asked Questions