New School Psychology graduate program launches

Grand Valley State University’s Psychology department is launching a new graduate program to help fill a growing need for school psychologists with an open house on September 24 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Alumni House and Visitor Center on the Allendale Campus.

Amy Matthews, professor of psychology at Grand Valley, said school psychology has been listed as a critical shortage area by the Michigan Department of Education for a number of years.

Upon completion of the three-year program, students will earn a master’s of science degree, a specialist in school psychology degree (Psy.S.) and become eligible to apply for licensure as a school psychologist.

“The school psychology program at Grand Valley will graduate leaders and innovators who work collaboratively with school-based teams to lead advancements in education around the state and the country,” said Amy Campbell, school psychology program director and associate professor of psychology.

Matthews said because many school psychology positions are available in Michigan, the department anticipates many of the program’s graduates will find jobs that make a difference in schools and the communities they serve.

While Grand Valley’s school psychology program is one of five other similar training programs in Michigan, it is the only one that plans to provide students with coursework and experiences that will prepare them for Board Certified Behavior Analyst certification. Areas of study in the program include systems-wide prevention, problem solving, collaboration and consultation, data-based decision making, as well as direct teaching experience with an emphasis on evidence-based practices.
 
School psychologists collaborate with teachers, school administrators and other school professionals to conduct evaluations and design intervention plans for students who struggle with a range of academic and behavior issues. Their primary responsibilities generally include developing students’ problem-solving skills, evaluating special education eligibility as part of multidisciplinary teams, designing and implementing progress monitoring systems and fostering individualized instruction strategies.

For more information, visit www.gvsu.edu/grad/schoolpsy.