School Psychology track for degree program receives national approval

Feb. 10, 2009 -- Arkansas State University-Jonesboro’s Department of Psychology and Counseling, located within the College of Education, recently received national approval. The School Psychology track of the Educational Specialist degree program in Psychology and Counseling was designated  “Nationally Approved-Conditional” by the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP).

This approval came as part of process of seeking reaccreditation for the teacher education programs at ASU by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE). Receiving this approval is an important indicator that the educational program meets quality standards as judged by independent national reviewers in the field of school psychology. Approval also provides graduates the opportunity to become Nationally Certified School Psychologists (NCSP). The conditional nature of the approval means the program will be required to submit additional documentation to NASP within what is typically an 18-month period to be evaluated for continued approval.

The school psychology track, which is part of the Educational Specialist  degree program in Psychology and Counseling, prepares students to become licensed School Psychology Specialists (SPS). These professionals are typically employed in school settings where they work extensively with teachers, parents, and other educators to help students experiencing learning, behavioral, and emotional difficulties. The duties of School Psychology Specialists include assessment, consultation, intervention and prevention, program planning and evaluation, in-service education, and supervision.

Dr. John D. Hall, who coordinates the track, stated, “While there is more work to be done this is a milestone for the department, college, and university. We are proud to have joined the ranks of some rather elite programs and universities across the country on our first attempt at receiving approval.” He added that the degree program committee, consisting of Dr. Amy Claxton, Dr. Craig Jones, and Hall himself, has been working for a number of years to achieve this designation of quality. Dr. Hall also expressed his gratitude to the students, faculty, and administrators who have been involved with the program; as well the many professionals in the public schools who have contributed so much to the success of the program.  “This reflects the dedicated work of many people,” Hall said.  Dr. Hall is professor of Psychology and Counseling who serves as ASU’s coordinator for School Psychology. In addition, he is a licensed psychologist (Arkansas), a licensed school psychology specialist (Arkansas), and a nationally certified school psychologist (NCSP).

For more information, contact Dr. John D. Hall, Department of Psychology and Counseling, at (870) 972-3064, or e-mail him at jhall@astate.edu.
 

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