The ISPA Standards for Accrediting Professional Preparation
Programs in School Psychology
I - Overview
II - School Psychology Program Characteristics
III - Program Goals and Standards
References
I - Overview
The International School Psychology Association (ISPA) recognizes its responsibility
to promote high standards governing the preparation of school psychologists
and the delivery of school psychological services. This responsibility is
seen in the adoption by ISPA of three policies that define the nature of school
psychology (Oakland & Cunningham, 1997), provide guidelines for the preparation
of school psychologists (Cunningham & Oakland, 1998), and outline an ethics
code that governs its members’ professional behaviors (Oakland, Goldman,
& Bischoff, 1997).
This fourth policy was developed over a three year period by the Professional
Development and Practice Committee, reviewed by the Executive Committee of
the association, and reviewed by participants in the Leadership Workshops
at two consecutive association Colloquia. This document outlines the program
standards upon which the accreditation of school psychology programs by the
association is based.
Programs in school psychology lead to a recognized degree from a university
providing an organized, sequential school psychology program in a department
of psychology or educational psychology, in a school of education or an administrative
unit in a professional school or college.
In countries that have professional associations of psychology or school psychology,
the level of the degree (i.e., undergraduate, master’s, specialist,
doctoral degree) and the nature of their preparation and work quality persons
for membership within the association.
The school psychology program will be accredited in those countries where
accreditation is possible.
II - School Psychology Program Characteristics
School psychology programs embody the following characteristics.
• The program offers an integrated, organized sequence of study, one
what places primary emphasis on psychology and provides a strong emphasis
on education.
• The program has an identifiable program faculty who has primary responsibility
for the selection and evaluation of its students and the nature of its program.
• A professional suitably qualified in school psychology is administratively
responsible for the program.
• The program has an identifiable body of students who have been accepted
into the program, having met acceptable entrance guidelines.
Patterns of academic and professional preparation in school psychology are
consistent with current research and literature, current and emerging roles
to be performed, and services to be provided. In addition, preparation will
prepare practitioners for work with the ages, developmental characteristics,
populations, problems and issues found prominently in the schools and other
settings in which school psychologists are employed.
The program of study includes a core curriculum that contains academic content
in basic areas of psychology and education, professional content important
to the practice of psychology, and information relevant to work in culturally
diverse settings.
Professional content provides preparation, including supervised field experiences
in assessment, intervention, consultation, organizational and program development,
supervision and research. Students acquire knowledge and experiences working
in various settings in which school psychological services may be delivered.
Students acquire knowledge of various assessment models and methods.
The professional content and supervised field experiences insure that students
are provided with opportunities to observe and interact in settings that display
the following qualities.
• School psychologists are involved in various forms of direct and indirect
interventions, including consultation and organizational and program development,
in order to help promote development, to acquire and best utilize personal,
school, family and community resources, and to minimize difficulties and disorders.
• School psychologists along with those responsible for financial, administrative
and programmatic influences on school psychology services are accountable
for the delivery of school psychology services in an effective and efficient
manner.
• School psychologists are committed to a service delivery model in
which research and theory form the primary basis for practice.
• School psychologists are knowledgeable of legislation, public policies
and administrative rulings that guide the delivery of psychological and educational
services and provide services consistent with these legal provisions.
• School psychologists are knowledgeable of professional codes of ethics
that guide their profession, provide services in ways consistent with these
ethics, and work to ensure their continued relevance.
• School psychologists continue their professional development in ways
that help ensure their practices are consistent with current knowledge, legislation,
and codes of professional practice and conduct.
School psychology programs that display these qualities are encouraged to
make application for a program review that may lead to accreditation by the
International School Psychology Association.
III
- Program Goals and Standards
At the completion of a program of study in school psychology students can
be expected to demonstrate entry level competencies in the following six areas
identified in the International School Psychology Association Guidelines for
the Preparation of School Psychologists (Cunningham & Oakland, 1998):
1. Core Knowledge in Psychology and Education,
2. Professional Practice Preparation,
3. Professional Skills in Decision-Making, Reflection and Inquiry,
4. Interpersonal Skills,
5. Research Methods and Statistical Skills,
6. Knowledge of Ethics and Establishment of Professional Values.
School psychology programs can be expected to provide knowledge and skills
associated with each of these six areas. An evaluation of these areas is enhanced
by considering eleven standards, each with its own set of knowledge and performance
indicators. The knowledge and performance indicators are provided to assist
the school psychology program in demonstrating that a standard has been met.
However, it should be clear that program graduates are expected to meet the
requirements of the Standards, not necessarily each of the knowledge and performance
indicators.
Goal 1 – To Acquire Core Knowledge in Psychology and Education
School psychology programs rely on core knowledge that encompasses the following
content domains in general psychology: developmental psychology, psychology
of learning and cognition, educational psychology, psychology of personality,
social psychology, statistics and research design, experimental psychology
and biological psychology. Programs also promote an understanding of educational
curriculum, instruction, and related educational context. School psychologists
can be expected to display acquisition of this core knowledge together with
its applications (Oakland and Cunningham, 1997; Cunningham and Oakland, 1998).
Standard 1.1 - Learning and Instruction
School psychologists are expected to display knowledge of theory and research
on learning and other developmental processes together with instruction. In
addition, they are expected to be able to apply this knowledge in various
ways to help enhance learning and development in children and youth.
Knowledge Indicator: School psychologists display knowledge of
• theories and research on learning and cognitive development.
• processes students use to acquire and retain knowledge and skills.
• qualities that influence motivation to learn.
• individual differences in learning and performance.
• the influence of language development, differences, and deficits on
learning.
• theories and research on curriculum and instructional methods.
• instructional needs of students with diverse abilities.
• the possible impact of gender, race, culture, environment, and disability
on learning.
• factors that influence motivation and engagement and how to help students
become self-motivated.
• influences of students' cognitive, physical, social, emotional, and
moral development on learning.
Performance Indicators: School psychologists …
• work collaboratively with school personnel to promote supportive learning
environments.
• assist school personnel to develop academic goals and programs for
students.
• evaluate educational environments to develop strategies that encourage
motivation and engagement in productive work.
• participate in the development and implementation of instructional
strategies and interventions to promote student development.
• consider instructional methods and materials, student interests, and
vocational needs when planning interventions.
• use methods designed to enhance development of critical thinking,
problem solving, and performance skills.
• monitor and adjust interventions in response to new information.
• Iidentify and use community resources to enhance student learning
and vocational alternatives.
• utilize current scholarship in their assessment and intervention efforts
to promote learning and academic development.
• help students to develop and evaluate effective learning techniques
(e.g., study skills, self-monitoring, planning/organization, and time management)
that enable them to become more efficient learners.
• collaborate with school personnel to develop appropriate academic
goals and interventions.
Standard 1.2 Social and Adaptive Skill Development
School psychologists are expected to display knowledge of scholarship on the
development of social and other adaptive life skills. In addition, they are
expected to be able to apply this knowledge in various ways to help enhance
social and adaptive skill development in children and youth. School psychologists,
working collaboratively with others, consider students’ strengths, weaknesses,
needs, and resources in developing, implementing, and evaluating social and
adaptive skill interventions for them. Programs may emphasize behavioral,
affective, adaptive, social, and/or vocational goals.
Knowledge Indicators: School psychologists display knowledge of
• behavioral, social, affective, and adaptive skills development.
• vocational goals and vocational planning as part of the developmental
process.
• principles of behavior change within the behavioral, social, affective
and adaptive domains.
• direct and indirect intervention strategies to promote social and
adaptive skill development appropriate for students from diverse backgrounds
and experiences.
• consultation, behavior management, and counseling strategies that
enhance student behavior.
• methods that promote classroom management.
• methods used to assess social adaptive skills as well as vocational
aptitudes and interests.
• how language, communication, and behavior can affect the socialization
process.
• distinctiveness and effects of the culture and environment on students
and families.
Performance Indicators: School psychologists …
• evaluate individual and group characteristics prior to designing developmentally
appropriate interventions intended to promote students’ social, emotional,
adaptive, and physical development.
• apply principles of behavior change through the provision of consultation,
assessment, intervention, and counseling services designed to enhance student
behavior.
• develop methodologies that assist teachers and families in enhancing
students’ social behaviors.
• provide leadership in creating environments for students that promote
respect and dignity, foster the expression of social behaviors, and reduce
alienation.
• assist teachers, families, and others in helping students become responsible
for their own behaviors.
• utilize current scholarship in their assessment and intervention efforts
to promote social and adaptive skill development.
• assist in the development and implementation of classroom management
strategies.
• assist in the development and implementation of programs to facilitate
successful transitions of students from one environment to another (e.g.,
program to program, early childhood to school, and school to work transitions).
Standard 1.3 – Individual Differences
School psychologists are expected to display knowledge of theory and research
on individual differences together with the potential influences of medical,
genetic, racial-ethnic, social, cultural, religious, socioeconomic, gender,
linguistic, and experiential qualities as well as personal choices on development.
School psychologists display this knowledge in their work associated with
assessment and intervention, including an ability to work effectively with
persons from diverse backgrounds.
Knowledge Indicators: School psychologists display knowledge of
• one’s personal cultural perspectives and biases and their impact
on interactions with others.
• racial-ethnic, social, cultural, religious, socioeconomic, gender,
and linguistic diversity.
• various family systems and how they may affect student development.
• how an individual’s medical, genetic, racial-ethnic, social,
cultural, religious, socioeconomic, gender, experiential, and personal choices
may impact student development
• cultural differences in methods used to attain academic, social, and
behavioral goals.
• the impact of bias and stereotyping in educational and community settings.
• methods that minimize bias.
• methods to assess and enhance educational, psychological, social,
and vocational needs of students with disabilities.
• methods to assess and enhance educational, psychological, social,
and vocational needs of gifted, creative, and talented students.
Performance
Indicators: School psychologists …
• recognize in themself and others possible biases associated with race,
religion, culture, social class, gender or other demographic qualities that
may affect one’s work (e.g., assessment, decision-making, instruction,
behavior, and expected student outcomes).
• demonstrate abilities and skills needed to work with families, students,
and staff with diverse characteristics.
• promote practices that help students and families of all backgrounds
feel welcome and respected in the schools and community.
• assist with acknowledging, supporting, and integrating students who
display special needs into typical instructional programs and settings.
• help develop and implement strategies to promote understanding of and
removal of barriers to the attainment of important educational and other developmental
outcomes.
• assist in integrating students who differ by racial-ethnic, religious,
cultural, and social characteristics.
• consider the relevance of a student’s medical, genetic, racial-ethnic,
social, cultural, religious, socioeconomic, gender, linguistic, and experiential
qualities together with personal choices when conducting an evaluation or planning
interventions.
• design and carry out assessments and intervention strategies in light
of a student’s‚ gender, culture, stages of development, learning
styles, exceptionalities, strengths, and needs.
• consider students’ primary and secondary language abilities and
their effects on school performance.
• identify when and how to screen and make referrals to obtain additional
support services and other resources students need.
• participate in continuing education activities that promote further
understanding of individual differences.
Standard 1.4 - Prevention, Crisis Intervention, and Mental Health Promotion
School psychologists are expected to display knowledge of theory and research
on normal and abnormal mental, social, and emotional development, including
conditions that promote, prevent, and help overcome child and adolescent psychopathology.
School psychologists, working collaboratively with others, provide or contribute
to prevention and intervention programs intended to promote students’
mental and physical well being.
Knowledge Indicators: School psychologists displays knowledge of
• normal child and adolescent development .
• child and adolescent psychopathology and its influence on behavior.
• adverse medical (e.g., lead paint, eating disorders, teenage pregnancy,
and AIDS prevention), social, community, family, and other environmental influences
on behavior.
• conditions that give rise to crises in schools and communities, how
they affect student behavior, and how crises may be prevented
• effective strategies that promote well-being and resilience and that
prevent mental illness.
• prevailing conditions that contribute to mental illness in children
and adolescents together with methods to prevent mental illness.
• resources to address various mental and physical health problems.
• how to access and make appropriate referrals for services provided by
school, community, governmental, and other agencies.
• effects of medications on student’s psychological, educational,
physical, social, and emotional behaviors.
Performance Indicators: School psychologists …
• identify and recognize behaviors and other conditions that are precursors
to academic, behavioral, and personal difficulties (e.g., conduct disorders,
drug, and alcohol abuse).
• develop, implement, and evaluate screening programs intended to identify
students with mental health needs.
• collaborate with school personnel, family members, and community personnel
to establish and implement programs that help address psychological and social
problems that arise in the aftermath of crises (e.g., death, natural disasters,
bombs or bomb threats, violence, and sexual harassment).
• promote mental health services provided through schools and other agencies.
• assist in the development and implementation of prevention programs
that address chronic health issues (e.g., eating disorders, overweight, teenage
pregnancy, AIDS prevention, and stress management).
• facilitate environmental changes that support health and adjustment.
• participate in the delivery of mental health services through direct
(e.g., group and individual counseling) or indirect (e.g., consultation) services.
• inform students, their families, educators, and others of school, community,
and other needed and available mental health resources.
• displays knowledge of the possible impact of social and cultural diversity
in the development and implementation of prevention, crisis intervention, and
mental health programs.
Goal 2 - Professional Practice Preparation
School psychology programs rely on theory and research together with practicum
and internship experiences to promote the acquisition of various assessment
and intervention methods (Oakland and Cunningham, 1997; Cunningham and Oakland,
1998). Assessment methods that provide information on children’s cognitive,
academic, and affective qualities are highly important. Knowledge of interventions
that rely on behavioral, educational, affective, social, and consultation methods
are highly important. The prevention of problems and promotion of health form
core activities of school psychologists.
Standard 2.1 - School and Systems Organization, Policy Development and Implementation
School psychologists are expected to display knowledge of schools and other
settings as social and administrative systems and to work with individuals and
groups to facilitate policies and practices that create and maintain safe, caring,
and supportive learning environments for children and others.
Knowledge Indicators: School psychologists display knowledge of
• the organization and operation of school systems.
• methods that develop and sustain school and educational policies at
the local, regional, and national levels.
• the impact of school and public policy on schools, communities, and
ecosystems.
• qualities that contribute to safe, caring and supportive school and
home environments.
Performances
Indicators: School psychologists …
• assist schools and other agencies in designing, implementing and evaluating
policies and practices that govern the delivery of educational and psychological
services to children and their families.
• assist in the development and evaluation of school and community policies,
procedures, and practices designed to promote academic development, social and
emotional well-being, and safe environments.
• participate in system-wide decision-making that promotes effective services
for students and their families/guardians.
• support the development of systems change.
• utilizes principles of generalization and transfer of training in the
development of interventions.
• work to increase the number and availability of needed psychological
resources.
• assist schools in identifying resources needed for students to succeed
in an educational environment and life after leaving school.
Standard 2.2 – Home-School-Community Collaboration
School psychologists are expected to display knowledge of the influences of
various family conditions on student development as well as methods to enhance
family involvement in promoting students’ academic and psychological development.
School psychologists work effectively with families, educators, and others in
the community to promote and provide comprehensive coordinated services to children
and families.
Knowledge Indicators: School psychologists display knowledge of
• the effects diverse family systems may have on students’ cognitive,
motivational, social and academic functioning.
• the importance of family involvement in education.
• methods to promote collaboration and partnerships between families and
educators intended to improve student’s development and well-being.
• the implications of cultural diversity on family, home, school and community
collaborations.
• school and community resources and agencies available to students and
families.
Performances Indicators: School psychologists …
• design, implement, monitor, and evaluate programs designed to promote
school, family, and community partnerships to enhance students’ development.
• assist parents in becoming active and effective participants in school
meetings and activities.
• acquire information on parent’s expectations and goals for their
children.
• educate school and community members regarding the importance of family
involvement in school activities.
• identify resources and create linkages between schools, families, and
community agencies.
• work within schools, families, and the community to enhance relationships
between home and school environments.
Goal 3 – Professional Abilities Associated with Assessment
and Interventions
School psychology programs rely on theory and research together with practicum
and internship experiences to promote the development of diagnostic and other
decision-making skills important to the accurate description of behavior and
other personal qualities (Cunningham & Oakland, 1998; Oakland & Cunningham,
1997). This includes the use of assessment techniques together with problem-solving
and analytical skills. School psychology programs also promote the development
of abilities and skills associated with the successful implementation of intervention
efforts at the individual, group, and systems levels.
Standard 3.1 - Data Based Decision Making and Accountability
School psychologists are expected to displays data-based skills in using formal
and informal assessment methods in their decision-making and accountability
practices. They are knowledgeable of various models and methods of assessment
that yield information useful in clarifying problems, identifying strengths
and weaknesses as well as needs, and in measuring progress toward stated goals.
School psychologists use data-based models and methods as part of a systematic
process to collect and evaluate information, translate information into defensible
decisions that impact services, and evaluate the outcomes of services.
Knowledge Indicators: School psychologists display knowledge of
• effective, data-based decision-making and problem solving processes.
• the purposes, characteristics, strengths and limitations of formal and
informal models and methods of assessment for data collection (e.g., interviewing
techniques, norm-referenced, curriculum based, authentic, portfolio, criterion-referenced,
functional assessment, behavioral observation).
• assessment as a means of evaluating how students learn, what they know
and are able to do, and what kinds of experiences will support their further
growth and development.
• psychometric theory, test development, and research as applied to data-based
decision-making.
• nondiscriminatory evaluation procedures.
• the process of linking assessment results with the development of interventions.
• formal and informal assessment techniques used to evaluate student’s
intellectual and academic abilities.
• the importance of considering cultural, linguistic and other personal
traits together with environmental opportunities when interpreting and using
data.
• the importance of collecting data on multiple traits displayed by students
in various environments by using various assessment methods that rely on information
from various credible sources.
• how to modify intervention plans based on data.
• the use of data in evaluating the reliability and validity of intervention
strategies.
• the importance of program and system evaluation models and their relationships
to the modification of programs at various levels (e.g., individual, classroom,
grade level, school).
• the use of data in forming a diagnosis in light of laws and professional
standards.
• parental and student rights regarding assessment and evaluation.
• the principles and importance of professional accountability for confidentiality
and record keeping.
Performances Indicators: School psychologists …
• consider and when suitable utilize information from scholarly sources
in psychology and education (e.g., curriculum and instruction) as well as on
individual difference when making data-based decisions.
• collect and utilize data, including assessment results, to identify
student strengths and weaknesses, establish goals, align and modify curriculum
and instruction, identify needed support services, and design intervention strategies.
• use data to evaluate the outcomes of school psychology and other services
and to facilitate accountability.
• acquire knowledge of multiple qualities displayed in various environments
by using various assessment methods that rely on information from various credible
sources.
• apply knowledge of psychometric theory when analyzing data.
• use evaluation techniques that measure academic progress.
• use nondiscriminatory evaluation procedures.
• consider developmental factors in the collection and analysis of data.
• use formal and informal assessment procedures to evaluate student qualities
that influence learning.
• consider the assets and limitations of using tests developed elsewhere
and adapted for use in one’s country.
• use recently standardized tests and other assessment methods to assess
aptitudes, academic attainment, social, emotional, adaptive skills, vocational
interests, and other personal and school-related qualities.
• prepare clearly written reports that appropriately address referral
questions, accurately reflect the data, and provide guidance for interventions.
• communicate test results in a manner that is understandable to intended
audiences.
• link assessment information to the development of strategies that address
student behavioral, affective, adaptive, social, and vocational development.
• assist school and other agency administrators with the interpretation
and use of data to improve classroom, building and system-level programs.
• provide services in accord with legal, regulatory, and ethical guidelines
and standards in data-based decision-making and record keeping.
• assist in assessing school readiness.
• support efforts that lead to the availability of additional standardized
tests.
• maintain useful and accurate records and communicates information responsibly
families/guardians, students, colleagues and community as appropriate.
• evaluate individual qualities in an attempt to design interventions
consistent with a student’s developmental levels and needs.
• use assessment techniques to measure progress toward goals, to evaluate
outcomes of intervention strategies, and to revise services as necessary.
Standard 3.2 - Technology
School psychologists are expected to display knowledge of relevant information
sources and technology and to access, evaluate, and utilize information sources
and technology in ways that safeguard or enhance the quality of school psychology
services.
Knowledge Indicators: School psychologists display knowledge of
• how to review, evaluate and use technology for educational purposes.
• technology important to professional practice.
• methods to access information sources.
• technological tools for accessing, managing, and disseminating information
to enhance the consultation process.
• technological methods and applications for research and evaluation (e.g.,
statistical and behavior monitoring software programs).
• ethical issues and social implications of using technology.
• the strengths and limitations of professional computer software (e.g.,
test scoring, interpretive and psychological report writing programs, behavior
analysis programs).
Performances Indicators: School psychologists …
• practice ethical, legal, and socially responsible behavior when using
technology and computer software.
• adhere to copyright laws governing access to and use of information
from various technologies, including books, tests, and software.
• use technology (e.g., CD/DVD ROM, the internet, e-mail, interactive
video, distance learning) to acquire information, current research findings,
and continuing professional development.
• use current technology resources when designing, implementing, and evaluating
programs and interventions for children.
• use technology-based productivity tools (e.g., word processing, database,
spreadsheets, test scoring programs) to help promote effective and efficient
services.
• use appropriate terminology related to computers and technology in written
and oral communications.
• demonstrate awareness of resources for adaptive and assistive devices
for students with special needs.
• use technology in communicating, collaborating, conducting research,
evaluating programs, and maintaining professional accountability.
• utilize technological resources to access, manage, and disseminate information
to enhance the consultation process.
Goal 4 - Interpersonal Skills
School psychology programs rely on theory and research together with practicum
and internship experiences to promote sensitivity to school, family, and other
contextual settings that influence growth and development (Cunningham &
Oakland, 1998; Oakland & Cunningham, 1997). The programs also promote the
abilities, skills, and attitudes needed to work effectively in various contexts
and with both professionals and the public. Therefore, the promotion of leadership,
collaboration, and other interpersonal skills needed for this work forms a special
focus of their preparation.
Standard 4.1 - Consultation and Collaboration
School psychologists are expected to display knowledge and suitable applications
of behavioral, mental health, collaborative, and other consultation models.
School psychologists collaborate with others during assessing, planning, and
decision-making processes at the individual, group, and systems level.
Knowledge Indicators: School psychologists display knowledge of
• collaborative and consultation models and methods (e.g., behavioral,
mental health, instructional).
• the impact of communication skills on collaboration and consultation
practices.
• the importance of interpersonal skills during the consultation process.
• schools as organizations within the larger (e.g., community, national)
context.
• methods necessary to facilitate communication with students.
• methods necessary to facilitate communication among school personnel,
families, community professionals, and others.
• the important features of collaboration when working with individuals
from diverse cultural and racial-ethnic backgrounds.
Performances Indicators: School psychologists …
• use consultation and collaboration skills to promote change at various
levels (e.g., an individual, classroom, building, district, and/or other agency).
• use consultation and collaboration to facilitate the development of
positive school climates.
• use consultation and collaboration skills to enhance student learning.
• use consultation and collaboration skills to show respect for those
with whom they work.
• display positive interpersonal skills and patience in difficult situations
by practicing active listening, conflict resolution, and group facilitation
skills.
• use collaboration skills with individuals from diverse cultural and
racial-ethnic backgrounds.
• communicate clearly with diverse audiences (e.g., parents, teachers,
policy makers, community leaders, and colleagues).
• use various communication modes (e.g., written, verbal, nonverbal, visual,
technological) to communicate with a diverse constituency.
Goal 5 - Research Methods and Statistical Skills
School psychology programs rely on theory and research together with practicum
and internship experiences to promote understanding and use of research and
evaluation methods important to quantitative and qualitative research and evaluation
activities (Cunningham & Oakland, 1998; Oakland & Cunningham, 1997).
School psychologists are expected to be reflective consumers of and contributors
to professional scholarship.
Standard 5.1- Research and Program Evaluation
School psychologists are expected to display knowledge of research designs,
statistics, and evaluation methods as well as to evaluate research and to translate
research into practice. Their knowledge is sufficient to plan and conduct research
and program evaluations.
Knowledge Indicators: School psychologists display knowledge of
• research designs for group and single subject studies.
• concepts of internal and external validity of research designs and methods.
• research and statistical methods needed to evaluate published research.
• evaluation models and techniques.
• measurement principles and standards when selecting and using assessment
techniques.
• scholarship when designing educational, mental health, and other intervention
programs .
• quantitative and qualitative data analysis methods, their strengths
and limitations.
Performances Indicators: School psychologists …
• engage in research and evaluation studies that address issues important
to school psychology and education.
• apply knowledge of research, statistics, and evaluation techniques when
conducting research and program evaluations.
• evaluate psychometric properties when selecting assessment methods.
• Evaluate the suitability of methods used when reviewing research and
other forms of scholarship.
• apply knowledge from scholarly sources to help guide program development
and evaluation.
• select and utilize interventions based on sound professional judgments.
• provide information from relevant research and other forms of scholarship
findings to school personnel, parents, the public, and the profession.
Goal 6 - Knowledge of History, Ethics, Professional Values
School psychology programs promote knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors important
to professional standards, ethical principles and values, and laws. The basic
values of school psychologists are represented in its history together with
ethical standards governing research and practice. These sources, together with
the legal bases for service, are instrumental in the socialization of school
psychologists. The ISPA Code of Ethics (Oakland, Goldman & Bischoff, 1997)
together with other nationally approved codes of ethics can serve as guides
for this purpose.
Standard 6.1 - School Psychology Practice and Development
School psychologists are expected to display knowledge of national and international
history and foundations of psychology and school psychology, together with ethical
and other professional and legal standards governing their services. School
psychologists practice in ways that are consistent with applicable standards,
are involved in their profession through membership and leadership, have the
knowledge and skills needed as a basis for career-long professional development,
and engage in continued professional development.
Knowledge Indicators: School psychologists display knowledge of
• professional, ethical, and legal standards governing services.
• the implications of federal, regional, state, and local laws on psychological
and educational services for students.
• the history of psychology and school psychology.
• how the practice of school psychology may affect students and families.
• the importance of continued professional development.
• the importance of an active involvement and participation in professional
organizations at the local, regional, national, and international (e.g., International
School Psychology Association) levels.
Performances Indicators: School psychologists…
• practice in accord with codes of ethics from ISPA or other authoritative
professional sources.
• provide school psychological services (e.g., assessments, consultation,
intervention, and research) consistent with prevailing legal and professional
standards.
• practice in accord with legal standards when they are in conflict with
ethical or professional standards.
• become certified or licensed (if possible in their country) to practice
and meet standards that ensure their continued certification or license eligibility.
• comply with legal requirements for professional practice in the respective
country.
• respect the rights and welfare of those with whom they work.
• support public policies and practices that enhance school- and community-based
educational and mental health services for children.
• participate in continuing professional development.
• assist in the continuing professional development of colleagues.
• hold membership in school psychology professional associations and contribute
to the profession through their work and, whenever possible, seek leadership
in them.
REFERENCES
Clark, R.D. & Oakland, T.A. (2000, July). Standards for accrediting professional
preparation
programs in school psychology: Draft I. Paper presented at the meeting of the
International School Psychology Association. Durham, New Hampshire.
Clark, R.D. & Oakland, T.A. (2001, July). Standards for accrediting professional
preparation
programs in school psychology: Draft II. Paper presented at the meeting of the
International School Psychology Association. Dinan, France.
Cunningham, J., & Oakland, T. (1998). International School Psychology Association
guidelines
for preparation of school psychologists. School Psychology International, 19,
19-30.
Oakland, T. & Cunningham, J. (1997). International School Psychology Association
definition
of school psychology. School Psychology International, 18, 195-200.
Oakland, T. & Cunningham, J. (1992). A survey of school psychology in developed
and
developing countries. School Psychology International, 13, 99-130.
Oakland, T., Goldman, S., & Bischoff, H. (1997). Code of ethics of the International
School
Psychology Association. School Psychology International, 18, 291-298.
NOTE ON STANDARDS
DEVELOPMENT:
Thomas Oakland proposed
the development of standards for accrediting school psychology programs to ISPA's
Executive Committee in 1999. The Executive Committee asked Dr. Oakland, as chair
of the ISPA's Professional Development and Practices Committee, to assume leadership
for preparing draft standards for review by ISPA membership and the EC. He,
together with Robert D. Clark, drafted standards that were reviewed by those
who attended the 2000 Leadership Workshop. Selected members of the Leadership
Workshop also completed a more detailed review of the 2000 draft document, most
notably: Stuart Hart, Bernie Stein, Erika Voigt, and Sissy Hatzichristou. Information
from the 2000 Leadership Workshop and the more detailed review led to a 2001
draft, reviewed by those who attended the 2001 Leadership Workshop. Information
from this review led to this heavily revised document that was submitted to
the EC for its review in February 2002. Their comments led to development of
this final document submitted to the EC for its review during its July, 2002,
Colloquium in Denmark. Questions regarding this document can be directed to
the association via this website and/or to Robert D. Clark, bclark@nl.edu.