School Psychology Clinical Training

Year 1 (Beginning Practicum)

Students complete a two-semester Beginning Practicum (1 cr/semester) that includes applied experiences and field-based observations that are linked to specific courses in School Psychology. Experiences have included administration of school-based benchmark assessment, small group academic intervention, psychoeducational counseling at the Dane County Juvenile Detention Center, and observation in the department training clinic.

Year 2 (Clinic Practicum)

Students participate in a structured two-semester Clinic Practicum (3 cr./semester/ 300 hours) in which students work with school-age clients referred by parents, local school staff members, and other community sources. Clients present with emotional, behavioral, social, and academic challenges. Through the practicum, graduate students in school psychology are trained in procedures of psychoeducational assessment, consultation, intervention, and progress monitoring. Students are trained to conduct child and parent interviews; assess intellectual, social-emotional and academic functioning; and conduct observations in clinical and school settings. Student clinicians also obtain experience in the use of intervention techniques and procedures for a wide range of academic and social/emotional problems. Clinicians are expected to develop skills in counseling and consulting with parents, school personnel and other professionals concerned with the care, management, guidance and education of the child. Students are taught progress monitoring and outcome evaluation tools. Students are directly supervised during all client interactions and are given frequent and detailed feedback about their clinical skills by the Clinic Practicum Coordinator.

Year 3 (Field Practicum)

Students complete a two-semester Field Practicum (6 cr/semester; 600 hours), two days a week in local elementary, middle, and/or high schools. The Field Practicum in school psychology is required as part of the third-year curriculum. In the Field Practicum students are assigned to schools in the community and receive supervision from practicing school psychologists on-site in their schools and weekly supervision from a doctoral-level licensed psychologist from the Program (Field Practicum Coordinator). Although close supervision continues to be necessary, it is possible for this supervision to be less direct as the student displays skill mastery. The Field Practicum allows students to adopt an authentic, professional role, to work in multi-disciplinary settings, and to work in school sites where referral problems are first identified and usually addressed.

Non-Required Practicum

Non-required practicum experiences may be arranged for students in their fourth year or earlier, including opportunities to supervise clinic and field casework. All practica are viewed as preparatory to the internship experience which completes the professional preparation as a school psychologist. Students in the School Psychology Program may have opportunities to gain supervised experience in activities related to the practice of school psychology, such as assessment, intervention, or consultation outside of courses and required practicum courses. These experiences may occur as part of the student’s employment on a training grant or through other funded or unfunded positions. These experiences may be a significant component of the student’s portfolio of professional competencies. Students must obtain program approval prior to including hours accrued in these experiences in their internship applications and other professional documents.