Program Director: Shannon Newell, Ph.D., NCPS
Email: Shannon.Newell@VermontState.edu
Program Description
As the first, and only school psychology graduate program in Vermont, we are committed to supporting and improving the state’s communities and schools by providing a local resource to children, families, schools and community agencies. This program prepares students for careers as school psychologists where they will provide critical educational, behavioral, and mental health services. These services include collaboration with school administrators, educators, and families using culturally responsive practices to create supportive, equitable, and safe learning and social environments for all students.
The school psychology program is a three-year program (64 credits) grounded in a practitioner-scholar philosophy and is designed to prepare highly qualified school psychologists to work with children, adolescents, families, and other professionals in schools and related fields. The integration of science and practice is accomplished through a program of study that emphasizes the use of scientific methods to inform prevention and intervention problem-solving approaches. This program is consistent with the broader University goals of close student-faculty interactions, outside-the-classroom learning, and deep integration with and support for the surrounding community. Fieldwork experience provides opportunities for students to apply their knowledge in a variety of settings.
The program has been structured to educate students in accordance with the Vermont school psychologist endorsement requirements as outlined by the Vermont Agency of Education. The program has been developed using the National Association of School Psychologists training guidelines. Graduates will be eligible to apply for National Certification through the National Association School Psychology Certification System for non-NASP approved program.
Program Outcomes
The EdS in school psychology is aligned with the objectives identified by the National Association of School Psychologists, emphasizing basic professional competencies that involve knowledge and skills in the 10 domains of school psychology. The primary goal of the School Psychology program is to prepare professionals who:
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are capable of providing direct and indirect psychological services to all children, parents, and educators in a variety of educational settings and with diverse populations
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work with families and communities to build strong educational and supportive relationships and environments
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possess knowledge of psychological foundations including psychosocial cultural influences, development, learning, exceptionalities, mental health, and biological components
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are competent in the use of psychological and educational techniques including: consultation, counseling, and assessment with advanced skills in evidence-based interventions while considering social and cultural impacts when choosing appropriate techniques
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are capable of functioning in a professional manner in a variety of educational settings with diverse populations, including referred and non-referred students
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are knowledgeable of and possess operational competence with specialized school psychology roles and within legal and ethical guidelines
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are committed to a broad range of school psychological services including prevention, intervention, consultation, counseling, intervention-oriented assessment, alternative delivery systems, and school-wide interventions
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are competent as problem solvers, change agents, and advocates while addressing issues through a social justice lens
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are skilled in demonstrating an orientation as a consultant and mental health resource in identifying and meeting the mental and behavior health, learning, and educational needs of individuals and educational systems
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