School Psychology track of Education degree program gains national designation

August 20, 2010 -- The School Psychology track of the Educational Specialist (Ed.S.) degree program in Psychology and Counseling at Arkansas State University has most recently been designated as “Nationally Recognized” by the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP). NASP serves as the Specialized Professional Association (SPA) for the National Counsel for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE). The program had initially been designated as “Nationally Recognized with Conditions” in 2009 following an initial submission. 

NASP program approval/national recognition is a key indicator of quality graduate education in school psychology, including comprehensive content and extensive and properly supervised field experiences and internships, as judged by trained national reviewers. NASP approval/national recognition offers a number of advantages to programs, program graduates, the profession of school psychology, and most importantly to children, families, and schools (NASP, 2010).  

Students who graduate from the program at ASU typically become licensed school psychology specialists. They are licensed by the Arkansas Department of Education, or they are licensed as school psychologists by state departments of education in other states. They are eligible to become Nationally Certified School Psychologists (NCSP) with NASP. School psychology specialists/school psychologists are typically employed by K-12 schools to provide comprehensive school psychology services. These services include assessment and testing, consultation, intervention, program planning and evaluation, in-service education, and supervision related to students’ learning, social, emotional, and behavioral needs.

Dr. John D. Hall, professor of Psychology and Counseling, coordinates the track and is also chair of the departmental school psychology committee. Dr. Hall noted that receiving the "Nationally Recognized" designation is another significant milestone for the program, department, college, and university. The school psychology committee also consists of Dr. Amy Claxton, associate professor of Psychology, and Dr. Craig Jones, professor of Psychology and Counseling. Dr. Hall expressed appreciation to the committee, other faculty in the department and college, current students, past graduates, school psychology field supervisors, and the schools for assisting the program in obtaining this level of recognition. For more information about the Educational Specialist  (Ed.S) degree program in Psychology and Counseling, contact Dr. Hall at (870) 972-3041, or visit the Specialist in Psychology and Counseling webpage.      

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