School Psychology

1. UW-L graduate students are placed in schools early in the program. Beginning in their second semester, graduate students spend two days per week working in area schools under the supervision of experienced school psychologists who are very familiar with the UW-L program. By the end of two years, graduate students have accumulated more than 750 hours of practicum experience.
2. The UW-L program promotes cooperation and collaboration among graduate students, rather than competition. Each school psychology class takes all of the core courses together. By the end of two years most graduate students have formed lasting friendships with their classmates.
3. The UWL program values training school psychologists who are well-prepared to advocate for social justice and work with diverse student populations. Students have the opportunity to shadow school psychologists in urban districts and attend immersion field trips. A focus on social justice and equitable practices is also integrated within multiple courses of the program.
4. UW-L has a 100% employment record upon graduation because of our reputation for producing well-trained school psychologists. UW-L graduates are sought after and generally have no difficulty finding a position within weeks of completing the second year of the program. Our graduates have found school psychology to be a satisfying and fulfilling career. Over the last 5 years, 96% of UW-L alumni remain in the practice of school psychology.
5. The UW-L program is conditionally accredited by the National Association of School Psychologists. Program accreditation means graduates are eligible for certification as Nationally Certified School Psychologists upon passing the national exam.
6. UW-L students are allowed to complete their required internship during their first year of employment (third year of the program) . This means a full salary during internship. After completing their internships, UW-L graduates meet the requirements for certification as a school psychologist in most states. 
7. The UW-L School Psychology Program has an applied emphasis. Training focuses on the skills and best practices, which every school psychologist needs. The program especially emphasizes teacher, parent, and school consultation with intensive training in assessment and intervention skills as well.
8. The capstone research project is completed with one-on-one faculty support during the second year of the program before students head off to internship. Students conduct and then present their research in a poster format at an appropriate conference, such as WSPA or NASP.
9. The UW-L program has three full-time school psychology faculty who are certified and/or licensed as school psychologists. Faculty members maintain their skills by working part-time in local schools and clinics on a rotational basis. 
10. UW-L School Psychology faculty provide support and guidance to graduate students with regular one-on-one and small group supervision to enhance what students are learning at their practicum sites. Faculty visit and observe students at their practicum sites in addition to regularly scheduled meetings at the university. 
11. BONUS. The School Psychology Program partnered with Adapted PE to write a successful Federal Grant for $1.25 million over 5 years (2021-2026). A specific provision in the grant is financial support for all students. Students in the school psychology program will receive:
    • $1,167 stipend for each of their two years on campus.
    • $400 travel allotment to support their capstone presentation at NASP.
    • $120 for the cost of the ETS Praxis Exam in School Psychology. This is taken as your comprehensive exam for the program.

Students accepted to the program are expected to take part in the following activities to satisfy expectations of the grant.

• Interdisciplinary seminars: There will be seven (7) seminars throughout the year. These will likely occur on a Friday morning when you do not have any classes. You will have to attend them both years.
• Interdisciplinary classes: nothing will be added to your schedule. You already have a class with APE folks - SPE 715. We are anticipating them joining us for SPY 775 and SPY 776. Both of these classes you already will be taking.
• Academics: You must maintain a 3.0 and pass the NASP PRAXIS exam.
• Post-Graduation: You must spend two years in the field serving disabled students in a K-12 setting. Essentially, this is to have a school psychologist job for your internship and one year post internship. We also hope that you keep in touch so we can do alumni surveys, etc.