N.M. Admin. Code § 6.63.5.12

Current through Register Vol. 35, No. 20, October 22, 2024

Section 6.63.5.12 - COMPETENCIES FOR LEVEL 1 SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGISTS

A. Personal characteristics. The school psychologist shall provide evidence that their professional work or demeanor is characterized by the following behaviors and developed and evaluated through courses, course content, practicum, internships, work experience, or other appropriate means:

(1) flexibility

(2) communication skills

(3) conscientiousness

(4) cooperation

(5) motivation

(6) personal stability

(7) productivity

(8) professional ethics; and

(9) respect for and valuing of individual and cultural diversity.

B. Psychological foundations. The school psychologist shall demonstrate knowledge of basic psychological principles including:

(1) the relationship between biological principles and psychological functioning in normal and abnormal development;

(2) the manner in which concepts of social and cultural diversity relate to an understanding of individuality;

(3) using developmental principles to identify potential exceptionalities in students;

(4) methods and models for identifying and diagnosing conditions of exceptionality;

(5) principles, concepts and processes related to human learning;

(6) basic research methodology as applicable to school-related problems; and

(7) the relationship between social setting and the psychological functioning of students.

C. Educational foundations. The school psychologist shall demonstrate knowledge of educational foundations including:

(1) organization and operation of schools;

(2) the organization and administration of school psychological services, including record keeping; the social, philosophical, historical, and cultural issues in education; state standards and benchmarks; school curriculum, intervention programs and strategies; and

(3) the current identification, referral, evaluation, and placement procedures for students with exceptionalities based upon state and federal regulations.

D. The school psychologist shall possess the knowledge and professional expertise to collaborate with families and school and community-based professionals in designing, implementing, and evaluating interventions that effectively respond to the educational and mental health needs of students. The school psychologist shall demonstrate knowledge of ability to:

(1) conduct multi-method psychological and psycho-educational assessments of students as appropriate;

(2) conduct psychological and educational assessments to include fair and non-discriminatory evaluation of the areas of:

(a) personality;

(b) emotional status;

(c) social skills and adjustment;

(d) intelligence and cognitive functioning;

(e) scholastic aptitude;

(f) functional and adaptive behavior;

(g) language and communication skills;

(h) academic knowledge and achievement;

(i) sensory and perceptual-motor functioning;

(j) family, environmental, and cultural influences;

(k) level of acculturation;

(l) career and vocational development;

(m) aptitude; and

(n) interests;

(3) utilize formal assessment instruments, procedures, and techniques such as interviews, observations, and behavioral evaluations;

(4) have particular regard for the context and setting in which their assessments take place and will be used; and

(5) adhere to the regulations and standards of state and national professional organizations regarding assessment techniques, non-biased assessment, and programming for all students.

E. Interventions, direct and indirect. The school psychologist shall demonstrate the ability to implement direct and indirect intervention using educational and psychological principles when participating as a member of a team of school, school-related, and community professional personnel, as outlined in Subsection F of 6.63.5.12 NMAC.

F. Learning/cognitive setting. The school psychologist shall demonstrate the ability to:

(1) plan and implement procedures for assessing the needs of students and recommending strategies for increasing learning and efficiency;

(2) consult with appropriate personnel in the development of instructional programs, including vocational programs;

(3) assist schools in working with parents to foster positive approaches to student's learning;

(4) assist school personnel in developing, monitoring, and evaluating appropriate and measurable instructional, vocational, and transitional objectives; and

(5) consult with school personnel about the classroom environment.

G. Social/affective setting. The school psychologist shall demonstrate the ability to:

(1) plan, develop, and implement district-wide procedures for assessing the social and emotional needs of students and for recommending strategies for increasing social and emotional growth;

(2) assist schools in working with parents to foster positive emotional growth in their children;

(3) assist school personnel in developing, monitoring, and evaluating objectives for social and emotional growth; and

(4) consult with school personnel about fostering a healthy social and emotional environment in the school.

H. Intervention techniques. The school psychologist shall demonstrate the ability to plan, implement, monitor, and evaluate intervention strategies which may include the following:

(1) individual and group counseling with students;

(2) remediation, including the provision of direct assistance to students receiving special education;

(3) consultation with individuals and groups which may include parents, school personnel, and community agencies;

(4) risk and threat assessment; and

(5) behavioral management.

I. Prevention, crisis intervention, and mental health. The school psychologist shall have knowledge of human development and psychopathology and of associated biological, cultural, and social influences on human behavior. The school psychologist shall provide or contribute to prevention and intervention programs that promote the mental health and physical well-being of students.

J. Family and community interventions. The school psychologist shall demonstrate the ability to:

(1) describe community resources available to families;

(2) describe issues and problems faced by families or students with exceptionalities;

(3) describe a continuum of services available to students and their families;

(4) explain state and federal regulations and due process rights to families, school personnel and community professionals; and

(5) communicate information regarding state mental health and children's codes, and the Mandatory Reporting Child Abuse and Neglect Act.

K. Statistics and research methodologies. The school psychologist is a competent consumer of research and new knowledge, and is able to use diverse methodologies to evaluate professional practices and programs. That knowledge base shall include research and evaluation methods, statistics, and measurement.

L. Professional school psychology. The school psychologist shall demonstrate the ability to:

(1) practice school psychology in accordance with the ethics of the profession;

(2) practice the profession of school psychology within the laws and regulations of the local, state, and federal governments;

(3) continue education for the promotion of professional growth;

(4) demonstrate knowledge of different models, concepts, and current issues concerning the practice of school psychology; and

(5) examine interactions between systems and individuals within the schools and between schools and outside agencies to determine strengths, weaknesses, and problem areas and aid in maximizing effective functioning.

M. A level 1 school psychologist shall be required to have individual supervision with a level 3 clinical supervising school psychologist or a credentialed supervisor as outlined in 6.63.5.8 NMAC for a minimum of one hour per week. At least one session per month shall be in person with the level 3 clinical supervising school psychologist or a credentialed supervisor as outlined in 6.63.5.8 NMAC. Supervision will not be provided to level 1 school psychologists who have not reached the level 2 requirements in the time period established by department.

N.M. Admin. Code § 6.63.5.12

6.63.5.12 NMAC - Rp 6 NMAC 4.2.3.11.10, 07-01-03; A, 06-30-06, Adopted by New Mexico Register, Volume XXXI, Issue 02, January 28, 2020, eff. 1/28/2020