School Psychology Services
Certified School Psychologists are uniquely qualified members of school teams that support students' ability to learn and teachers' ability to teach. They apply expertise in mental health, learning and behavior to help students succeed socially, academically, behaviorally and emotionally.
School psychologists partner with families, teachers, school administrators and other professionals to create safe, healthy and supportive learning environments that strengthen connections between home, school and the community. School Psychologists are classified as School-Based Mental Health Professionals who “provide mental health services to children and adolescents” as defined by the federal Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), Sec. 4102.
Areas of Knowledge, Training & Specialization
Certified School Psychologists have training and knowledge that aligns with the NASP Model of Comprehensive and Integrated School Psychological Services, also known as the Practice Model. The Practice Model indicates 10 Domains of Professional Practice. Graduate preparation training includes knowledge and skills in:
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Data Collection & Analysis |
Assessment |
Progress Monitoring |
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School-wide practices to promote learning |
Multi-tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) |
Resilience & Risk Factors |
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Consultation & Collaboration |
Academic/Learning Interventions |
Mental Health Interventions |
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Behavioral Interventions |
Instructional Support |
Prevention & Intervention Services |
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Special Education Services |
Crisis Preparedness, Response & Recovery |
Family-School-Community Collaboration |
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Diversity in Development & Learning |
Research & Program Evaluation |
Professional Ethics, School Law & Systems |
Who We Serve
Oklahoma school psychologists work with ALL students, teachers, parents, administrators and community members to improve academic achievement, promote positive behavior, increase access to mental health services, and support and advocate for diverse learners.
They help to create safe schools through multi-tiered systems of support and improving school climate. They help to strengthen the partnership between home and school. School psychologists use data and assessments to monitor student progress and work with teachers on best-practice interventions to improve academics and behavior.
The national recommended school psychologist-to-student ratio is 1:500.
Oklahoma’s current ratio is 1:5,251
How School Psychologists Help Students
| Focus Areas | Oklahoma-Specific Examples |
|---|---|
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Improving Academic Achievement |
Guide implementation of academic response-to-intervention process Provide staff training on effective academic interventions Utilize data to support administrators in curricular decision-making |
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Promoting Positive Behavioral & Mental Health Support |
Guide implementation of behavioral response-to-intervention process Provide individual & group counseling or social skills instruction Facilitate referrals to community-based providers when needed |
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Supporting Diverse Learners |
Promote safe, welcoming learning environments for ALL students Provide equitable & culturally responsive services Address racial/ethnic disproportionality in discipline & special education |
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Creating Safe & Positive School Climates |
Advocate for best-practice crisis management & violence prevention Ensure students have access to supports they need to be successful Guide implementation of school-wide positive behavior supports |
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Strengthening Family-School Partnerships |
Support communication & coordination across home and school Include parents when planning efforts to improve student outcomes Value parents as important stakeholders in the special education process |
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Improving School-Wide Assessment & Accountability |
Facilitate collection & evaluation of school-wide data to assess needs Regularly evaluate effectiveness of positive interventions & supports Use expertise in program evaluation to monitor school-wide systems |
How to Become a Certified School Psychologist
- Master’s degree with Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies (CAGS), OR Specialist degree, OR doctoral degree in School Psychology (minimum of 60 hours regardless of degree)
- Completion of a year-long, 1,200 hour supervised internship (individuals may apply for Emergency Certification for one year while completing internship)
- Passing score on the PRAXIS School Psychology Test OR passing score on required state tests including the Oklahoma General Education Test (OGET), Oklahoma Professional Teaching Exam (OPTE) and Oklahoma Subject Area Test (OSAT) in School Psychology
- Submission of Oklahoma’s Standard Teacher Certification Application with all college transcripts
- Background check
- For employment opportunities, view individual school district websites, “Job Search” on the OSDE website or view postings to the Oklahoma School Psychological Association website and Facebook page.
Additional Resources
- National Association of School Psychologists
- American Psychological Association
- Oklahoma School Psychological Association
- U.S. Department of Education
References
- National Association of School Psychologists (2015). School Psychology: A Career That Makes a Difference
- National Association of School Psychologists (2020). The Professional Standards of the National Association of School Psychologists
- National Association of School Psychologists (2021, January 22). Who are School Psychologists?
