The American Psychological
Association-accredited doctor of psychology program in school
psychology prepares psychologists for practice in schools and other
community settings. Greater focus is placed on preparation for
consultation than on approaches involving direct delivery of services
to pupils, as the role of the doctoral-level school psychologist is as
a planner and innovator as well as a practitioner. The program seeks to
develop in students a broad and articulated scientific approach to the
analysis of helping procedures used in schools.
The nature of
the school psychologist`s assignment is affected by the particular
problems of the educational setting served, but all graduates are
expected to be able to conduct individual case studies, evaluate
groups, organize and administer test programs, develop in-service
education, and offer special-education service. The school psychologist
is available for assistance to parents, teachers, supervisors,
administrators, and community groups with respect to their mutually
shared concerns for the psychological and educational development of
children. The GSAPP school psychology program has long been in the
vanguard of programs that emphasize bringing psychology in its broad
sense to the schools, rather than focusing on the traditional
assessment role long held by school psychologists.
Psychological theory, research, and techniques are coordinated with
practical experience. Course work is integrated with a supervised
practicum in a school setting during each year of graduate study. The
program offers supervised school experiences, work with faculty in
professional activities, opportunities to interact with leading
scholars and practitioners in a variety of specialities, and informal
interaction with faculty and other students.
