La. Admin. Code tit. 46 § LXIII-3401

Current through Register Vol. 50, No. 11, November 20, 2024

Section LXIII-3401 - Program Requirements-General

A. A graduate of a specialist in school psychology program that is a National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) -approved program is recognized as holding a specialist degree, or an equivalent certificate, from a university offering a full-time graduate course of study in school psychology. The NASP criteria for program approval serves as a model for specialist-level training in school psychology.

B. Graduate education in specialist in school psychology is delivered within the context of a comprehensive program framework based on clear goals and objectives and a sequential, integrated course of study in which human diversity is emphasized. Graduate education develops candidates strong affiliation with school psychology, is delivered by qualified faculty, and includes substantial coursework and supervised field experiences necessary for the preparation of competent specialist-level school psychologists whose services positively impact children, families, schools, and other consumers.

C. Degrees from online programs will only be accepted if NASP-approved and meet the requirements in Subsection D of this Section.

D. A graduate of a specialist program that is not approved by the NASP must meet the criteria listed below.

1. Training in school psychology is at the specialist level offered in a regionally accredited institution of higher education.

2. The program, wherever it may be administratively housed, must be clearly identified and labeled as a specialist in school psychology, or certificate, program. Such a program must specify in pertinent institutional catalogs and brochures its intent to educate and train specialist-level school psychologists.

3. The specialist program must stand as a recognizable, coherent organizational entity within the institution.

4. There must be a clear authority and primary responsibility for all specialist program components consistent with NASP standards for training programs.

5. The program must be an integrated, organized sequence of study.

6. There must be an identifiable school psychology faculty and a school psychologist responsible for the program. A minimum of two program faculty must have earned doctorates in school psychology.

7. The specialist program must have an identifiable body of students who have matriculated in that program for a degree.

8. The specialist program must include supervised practicum and internship completed in field-based settings consisted with NASP standards for training.

9. The specialist program shall involve at least one continuous academic year of full-time residency on the campus of the institution at which the degree is granted.

10. The curriculum shall encompass a minimum of two academic years of full-time graduate study and an approved one-year internship consistent with published NASP standards for training. Additionally, the program shall require each student to demonstrate competence in each of the NASP practice domains:

a. data-based decision making and accountability;

b. consultation and collaboration;

c. interventions and instructional support to develop academic skills;

d. interventions and mental health services to develop social and life skills;

e. school-wide practices to promote learning;

f. preventive and responsive services;

g. family-school collaboration services;

h. diversity in development and learning;

i. research and program evaluation;

j. legal, ethical, and professional practice.

La. Admin. Code tit. 46, § LXIII-3401

Promulgated by the Department of Health and Hospitals, Board of Examiners of Psychologists, LR 412622 (12/1/2015).

AUTHORITY NOTE: Promulgated in accordance with R.S. 37:2357.