School Psychology Graduate Students Research Articles

School psychology graduate students' perspectives on multicultural training and program environment

AbstractSchool psychology training programs are vital to promoting culturally responsive and equity‐centered practices. However, research on multicultural training in school psychology tends to be based on faculty reports, often excluding graduate students' perspectives. The present investigation sought to obtain a more comprehensive understanding of multicultural training in school psychology. A sample of 108 graduate students completed the Multicultural Environmental Inventory‐Revised and a training experiences questionnaire to explore their perspectives on the models and methods used for school psychology multicultural training, perceptions of their program's multicultural environment, and the extent to which these perceptions are associated with programs' multicultural training offerings. Results indicate that almost all participants reported that their programs provided multicultural training. However, there was limited discussion of diversity regarding age, gender identity, national origin, and religion, and of social justice topics. Additionally, there were differences in perceptions of multicultural program environment by race, sexual orientation, and political ideology. Findings of this study suggest that programs should emphasize social justice and skills‐based instruction and create program environments that support the development of cultural competence. Recommendations for enhancing multicultural training and creating inclusive program environments are provided.

Understanding depression and anxiety rates of school psychology graduate students.

School psychology graduate students experience many risk factors for problems with mental health, including high workloads, financial distress, and challenging relationships with faculty that can exacerbate feelings of anxiety and depression. Although there have been studies that have investigated depression and anxiety amongst graduate students in general (Eisenberg et al., 2007) and health service psychology students in particular (Hobaica et al., 2021), there are reasons to believe that school psychology graduate students may have different experiences. To date, no research has been found investigating the depression and anxiety symptoms of graduate students in school psychology programs. A survey was sent to 194 school psychology training programs, and 291 graduate students completed it. Approximately one in four graduate students reported moderate to severe levels of depressive symptoms, while one in three reported moderate to severe levels of anxiety symptoms. These symptoms were significantly higher in graduate students identifying as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning, and more identities, women, or reported being from a lower socioeconomic background. There were no differences in depression or anxiety symptoms between the type of program (i.e., doctoral or specialist) or years in program. Implications for trainers of school psychology are discussed. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Wellness as an Ethical Mandate: Examining the Mental Health, Stress, and Self-Care Practices of School Psychology Graduate Students

Previous literature has found that psychology graduate students experience clinically significant rates of mental health problems. Self-care practices at the individual and program level may help to mitigate these outcomes and benefit student wellbeing. However, minimal research exists about the mental health and self-care practices of school psychology graduate students. The current study examined prevalence rates of anxiety, depression, and stress in a sample of school psychology students (N = 202) as well as self-care utilization and perceptions of programmatic self-care emphasis. Results indicated that most participants reported clinically significant rates of stress, depression, and/or anxiety. In contrast to prior findings, participants who identified with minoritized identities did not report significantly different rates of mental health outcomes. Correlational analyses revealed significant negative relationships between participants’ self-care utilization and mental health outcomes, and between perceived programmatic emphasis on self-care and participants’ mental health outcomes. Coding of open-ended survey responses identified barriers to and facilitators of participants’ self-care and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on participants’ mental health. Findings highlight that school psychology students face significant threats to their mental health throughout training and indicate that encouraging self-care practices may support student wellbeing. Implications for training and future research are discussed. Impact Statement This study found that most of the school psychology graduate student sample reported clinically significant levels of stress, depression, and anxiety and that rates did not differ significantly across student subgroups. Additionally, results indicated individual use of self-care strategies as well as a broader emphasis on implementation of self-care across programs were positively related to students’ wellbeing. Barriers and facilitators of self-care services, including the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, were also explored. The results of this study contribute to our knowledge of school psychology graduate trainees’ experiences of stress and mental health challenges during their training, as well as offer practical steps for graduate programs to implement wellbeing supports desired by their students.

The Relationship Between Self-Care Behaviors and Depression and Anxiety Symptoms in School Psychology Graduate Students

The Relationship Between Self-Care Behaviors and Depression and Anxiety Symptoms in School Psychology Graduate Students

School Psychology Graduate Students’ Experiences with Ethical Dilemmas: Implications for Training and Practice

Most prior research on the ethical dilemmas in school psychology has focused on certified school psychologists. The purpose of this study, therefore, was to survey school psychology graduate students about their experiences with ethical dilemmas, perceived preparation to respond to ethical dilemmas, responses to ethical dilemmas, and most concerning ethically challenging situations. We also examined differences in preparation and response across background (i.e., degree track, year in program, program NASP approval, ethics training). Results indicated that, although participants generally reported experiencing relatively few ethical dilemmas in the past year, they reported experiencing more ethical dilemmas related to programming and supervision than specific applied skills (e.g., intervention). Most participants reported receiving both formal and informal training, with formal graduate coursework the most frequently reported. Participants generally indicated they were well-prepared to respond to ethical dilemmas, but less so to respond to unethical conduct of those in power (i.e., administrators, supervisors). Implications for training and practice in school psychology are discussed. Our findings suggested that trainers need to facilitate open communication and feedback with students and convey and enact a willingness to listen to students’ concerns and suggestions. Impact Statement School psychology graduate students reported that they experience relatively few ethical dilemmas, but they were more likely to encounter ethical dilemmas related to programming and supervision than applied skills (e.g., intervention), highlighting the importance of systematic planning and reflection in training and applied experiences.

Reputable and affordable programs with a strong commitment to diversity: Factors influencing school psychology student admission decisions.

A current issue in the field of school psychology is the extreme shortage of school psychologists, and this is likely to persist in the future. Effective recruitment into school psychology programs is one of the most important strategies to increase the number of school psychologists. Within the present study, researchers created the Graduate Enrollment Admissions Rating Scale (GEARS), a survey measuring several different factors that school psychology students consider when applying to graduate programs, to determine what factors contributed to school psychology students' choice of program. The GEARS was sent via email to current school psychology graduate students. Overall, current students rated program quality, including faculty friendliness, as the most important factor influencing their decision. Second, considerations reflecting the program cost were influential. Diversity issues were the third most important factor in students choosing their school psychology programs. Costs and research/teaching opportunities were more important in the recruitment of doctoral students than specialist students, but specialist students valued convenience of a program more than doctoral students. Results of this study suggest that faculty members in charge of recruiting need to consider ways to manage tuition costs, develop relationships with future students, and strive toward high-quality programs as the best ways to increase the likelihood that students will attend their university. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved).

Correlates of social justice values in school psychology graduate students.

School psychologists are well-positioned to serve as advocates for marginalized students to address educational inequities and challenge systemic barriers to well-being. However, if they do not personally endorse social justice values, they may be unwilling to take personal and professional risks to engage in social justice work. The purpose of this study was to examine the extent to which personal characteristics and multicultural competence are associated with social justice values in school psychology graduate students. A sample of 108 graduate students completed the Social Justice Scale, School Psychology Multicultural Competence Scale, and Marlowe-Crowne Social Desirability Scale. Participants strongly endorsed having social justice values; however, they were less likely to report being in a context supportive of social justice work. There was no difference in reported social justice values based on gender or race; however, sexual marginalized students and those with very liberal political ideology reported more positive attitudes toward social justice. Students with very liberal political ideology also reported greater intent to engage in social justice actions in the future. Additionally, there were several positive correlations between social justice values and perceived multicultural competence. Multicultural competence accounted for most of the variance in participants' perceived ability to engage in social justice actions and being in environments supportive of social justice, while personal characteristics explained most of the variance in participants' intent to engage in future social justice actions. Notably, political ideology was the most consistent predictor of social justice values. Findings and implications for graduate education programs are discussed. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved).

Self-Care of Canadian School Psychology Graduate Students

This study assessed the predictive nature of professional self-care practices on various outcome variables (academic performance, psychological well-being, and affect) and investigated if self-care influenced the relationship between perceived stress and psychological well-being amongst school psychology graduate students across Canada. Participants included 102 Canadian school psychology graduate students (female: 94, male: 8, Mage: 26.9). Results indicated that professional support and life balance self-care practices predicted increased psychological well-being and that life balance predicted positive affect. Additionally, the results indicated that professional self-care practices strengthened the inverse relationship between perceived stress and psychological well-being, suggesting that self-care practices can buffer the negative effects of perceived stress on well-being. These results highlight the important role that professional self-care plays for school psychology trainees and may guide researchers and practitioners on ways to improve self-care intervention practices within professional and training settings.

Addressing Barriers to Universal Screening for Social, Emotional, and Behavioral Risk in Elementary Schools

Early identification of students in need of additional support in the classroom is an important structure for school districts to have in place. Universal screening for social-emotional and behavioral (SEB) risk is one method that schools can use to identify students in need of SEB support and to begin early intervention programing. Unfortunately, recommendations about universal screening and resources for universal screening for SEB risk are limited. As a result, barriers to screening are increased and interventions are delayed – sometimes indefinitely -- for those who need them most. This paper discusses the barriers and challenges experienced by elementary schools (grades K-5) in one school district in the South across a three-year consultative study. This district was supported by the researchers in identifying an appropriate SEB screener, in disseminating the screener, and in ensuring accuracy in its completion. Across the three years, data were evaluated from previous years, and recommendations to improve the district’s screening initiative were made by the lead consultant and school psychology graduate students. Over time, positive changes were noted in screening practices, but it is evident that more work needs to be done. Specific solutions and future implications for early childhood are discussed.

Addressing the Need for Training More School Psychologists to Serve Toddlers and Preschoolers with Autism Spectrum Disorders.

The prevalence of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has risen significantly in the past two decades. Unfortunately, there is a shortage of mental health providers who have specialized training in delivering evidenced-based services to this population. Early intensive behavioral intervention (EIBI) is an evidenced-based treatment recommended for toddlers with ASD, and school psychologists are uniquely positioned to help children with ASD receive it. However, many school psychologists do not receive adequate training in this subspecialty. This paper makes recommendations to school psychology training programs about how to add or improve training in this subspecialty based on the results of an Office of Special Education Programs grant-funded ASD training program which involved collaboration between a NASP-approved and APA-accredited school psychology training program and a community-based early intensive behavioral intervention (EIBI) clinic. The grant supported development of an interdisciplinary didactic and clinical training program to increase the ASD knowledge, skills, and competencies of school psychology graduate students, with the broader goals of developing a replicable training model and increasing the workforce of trained providers for this underserved population. Fifteen graduate students completed the training program. Outcomes related to trainee knowledge, skills, and competencies, trainee satisfaction, and lessons learned over time analyzed within a logic model that guided the project’s development and execution can be informative for other school psychology programs undertaking training in this subspecialty.

Training to Work with Interpreters in US School Psychology Graduate Programs.

Despite rapidly increasing cultural and linguistic diversity in US schools, the majority of psychoeducational evaluations will be conducted by monolingual, English-speaking school psychologists. As such, the appropriate use of interpreters has been identified as a critical skill in working with emergent bilinguals and their families. Surveys of practicing school psychologists conducting assessments with emergent bilinguals indicate a lack of knowledge and training in the use of interpreters; however, few studies have examined the extent to which school psychology graduate students are trained in the appropriate use of interpreters. Utilizing survey methodology, this study examined school psychology graduate students’ training in and preparedness to work with interpreters, as well as their knowledge of best practices in the use of interpreters. Current graduate students and interns enrolled in school psychology master’s, specialist, and doctoral programs in 36 states throughout the USA (n = 364) responded to the survey. The majority of participants were White (61.5%), monolingual (70.3%), and seeking a master’s or specialist degree (71.2%). Survey responses suggest that graduate students and interns’ training, knowledge, and preparedness to work with interpreters is lacking. A qualitative analysis of the open-ended question revealed that first-hand experience working with interpreters was among the most beneficial types of training experiences for graduate students and interns. Implications for how program directors and graduate-level faculty can provide better training for their students in the use of interpreters are discussed.

Leveraging the Strengths of Psychologists With Lived Experience of Psychopathology

Psychopathology is a common element of the human experience, and psychological scientists are not immune. Recent empirical data demonstrate that a significant proportion of clinical, counseling, and school psychology faculty and graduate students have lived experience, both past and present, of psychopathology. This commentary compliments these findings by leveraging the perspectives of the authors and signatories, who have personal lived experience of psychopathology, to improve professional inclusivity in these fields. By “coming out proud,” the authors aim to foster discussion, research, and inclusion efforts as they relate to psychopathology experiences in psychological science. To that end, the authors describe considerations related to disclosure of lived experience, identify barriers to inclusion, and provide concrete recommendations for personal and systemic changes to improve recognition and acceptance of psychopathology lived experience among psychologists.

Promoting Professional Practice Standards through Consultation Training: Opportunities from a University-School District Partnership

ABSTRACT The National Association of School Psychologists’ Professional Standards delineate 10 domains of professional practice that are infused into graduate preparation, credentialing recommendations, and service delivery. School psychology graduate students need exposure to, and practice with, these domains. A university-based graduate class in consultation skills is an ideal mechanism for learning and applying the domains of practice. However, the domains cannot be meaningfully practiced without a partner school district that is willing to provide opportunities for students to advance their knowledge and skills in real world settings. Thus, the purpose of this article is to describe one such partnership and the robust opportunities for consultation enabled by the school district. Such opportunities cut across virtually all domains of training and practice and provide mutual benefit to the students and to the school district. Outcomes for graduate students and the school district are discussed, and components of successful university-district partnerships are presented.

School Mental Health Trainees’ Perceptions of a Virtual Community-Based Partnership to Support Black Youth

This phenomenological study used individual interviews with ten graduate students in school counseling and school psychology to understand their experiences in a University-Church service-learning partnership to support PreK–12th grade youth in response to COVID-19. Most graduate participants identified as White/Non-Hispanic, and all youth served identified as Black. Hence, the study’s purpose was to examine participants’ (a) general perceptions of the program and (b) perceptions of how the program contributed to their multicultural competence and social justice-orientation. Findings reflect two broad themes for research aim one: (a) adaptive and holistic direct intervention skill development and (b) presence and connection with marginalized youth. Four broad themes emerged relative to research aim two: (a) multicultural attitudes and beliefs development, (b) multicultural knowledge development, (c) multicultural skill development, and (d) advocacy and allyship relative to social justice practice. Recommendations for school mental health training programs are offered. Impact Statement School psychology training programs have historically utilized community-based service-learning opportunities to cultivate graduate students’ multicultural competence and social justice-orientation. However, few studies have examined outcomes associated with service-learning training initiatives using online didactic training, telesupervision, and experiential learning through telehealth service delivery. Because COVID-19 has resulted in graduate programs exploring remote methods of training mental health trainees, key findings illustrate the benefits of virtual service-learning opportunities for facilitating school mental health trainees’ (including school psychology graduate students) capacity to provide accessible (i.e., telehealth), culture-centered academic, social–emotional, and behavioral support for minoritized families.

An Exploratory Study of School Psychology Students' Perceptions of Religious and Spiritual Diversity Training in their Graduate Programs.

Religiosity and spirituality are essential aspects of individuals’ cultural identities. However, the field of school psychology has generally avoided in-depth discussion regarding the implications of religious/spiritual diversity within the context of multiculturalism and culturally responsive practice. One aim of this study was to examine school psychology students’ perceptions of their current training relative to religious and spiritual diversity, because graduate training is critical for helping emerging practitioners develop attitudes, knowledge, and skills to employ culturally responsive services. Results showed that students received limited preparation and explicit teaching to address issues related to religious and spiritual diversity; and programs most frequently addressed disability diversity, socioeconomic diversity, and racial/ethnic diversity. Furthermore, the participants most frequently identified practicum experiences as facilitating their capacity to respond to religious and spiritual diversity in their professional practice. Key results suggest that school psychology graduate students may benefit from more explicit instruction during their graduate training to respond to religion and spirituality as aspects of cultural diversity in their professional work.

Recruitment and retention of bilingual graduate students in school psychology: Efforts and challenges in increasing professional diversity

The main goal of this paper is to illustrate recruitment efforts, strategies, and challenges in the process of training bilingual school psychologists to serve diverse schools. First, we address the acute and chronic shortage of bilingual school psychologists in the United States, particularly in urban schools where student populations are increasingly diverse. Then we provide a review of strategies and efforts to recruit and retain bilingual graduate-level learners in one school psychology program in an urban university. Quantitative data regarding recruitment and retention efforts are discussed. We identify challenges and future directions to increase diversity in the field of school psychology.

Examination of a Tiered Training Model to Increase School Psychology Graduate Students' Behavior Specific Praise.

Several strategies (e.g., performance feedback, video models, tactile prompting) have been found to be effective for improving preservice teachers’ use of foundational behavior management skills. However, there is limited research examining these training strategies for promoting preservice clinicians’ use of evidence-based behavior management skills. Furthermore, when these strategies are utilized, personnel receiving training often respond differentially. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a tiered training model that incorporated performance feedback, video models, and tactile prompts to increase school psychology graduate students’ rates of behavior specific praise during one-to-one sessions with child clients. Results indicated that rates of behavior specific praise increased and maintained across time. Findings, limitations, and directions for future research are discussed.

Behavior Analytic Skills Training in School Psychology Programs

Applied behavior analysis (ABA) has played an important role in the practice of school psychology. Despite the field’s expectation of school psychologists to effectively address student behavior, little attention has been placed on the development of school psychology graduate students’ training in ABA. An extensive review was undertaken to assess the amount and content of required ABA coursework in school psychology training curricula. Findings, discussed within the context of meeting the training needs of school psychology students, indicated that the majority (77%) of programs offered only one or no course focused on ABA knowledge and skills. Content focus varied between specialist level and doctoral level programs.

A survey of newly enrolled school psychology trainees: Estimates of key role and function

AbstractExamining school psychology trainees' perceptions regarding school psychologists' key role and function is important because inaccurate perceptions may lead to unmet professional expectations, reduced job satisfaction, and burnout. One hundred and eighty two first‐year school psychology graduate students enrolled in National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) approved and/or American Psychological Association accredited school psychology specialist and/or doctoral training programs were surveyed regarding their perceptions of how school psychologists spend their time. Responses were compared to results from the 2010 NASP survey of school psychologists, in which NASP members reported the percentage of time engaged in various school psychology functions. Respondents in the current sample underestimated time spent conducting special education evaluations t(399.54) = 12.2, p < 0.000, d = 0.76 and overestimated time spent providing individual student counseling, t(465.27) = 2.94, p < 0.001, d = 0.17 and student groups t(444.74) = 5.42, p < 0.001, d = 0.409, η2 = 0.04. A positive correlation between prior professional public school experience and time estimates for special education evaluations was found, r(175) = 0.14, p = 0.03. Implications for the field of school psychology are discussed, including the provision of updated information on key role and function to applicants along with screening to assess knowledge of the field.

Families and Schools Together: Designing a Model for University-Community Partnerships to Support Home-School Collaborations

Collaboration between school staff, families, and community partners is vital for ensuring all students’ success, particularly those with disabilities. In this case study, we will discuss a community-university partnership involving a university school psychology graduate program, several local school districts, and a specialized medical facility for children with autism and related neurodevelopmental disorders. These partners came together to create the Families and Schools Partnership Program (FSPP). Facilitated by School Psychology faculty and graduate students, FSPP offers support to families and schools through a cohesive multidisciplinary approach to intervention. In this study, we examined the experiences of 700 families referred to the FSPP consultation team and evaluated the reasons for referral, levels of intervention required by each family, and case outcomes. As a result, we offer a series of steps and tips for developing collaborative interagency relationships, an outline of the consultation framework and processes developed, and lessons learned throughout implementation.