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Idaho State University offers a M. Ed. of school psychological examiner and an Ed. S. in school psychology. ISU puts a large focus on creating competent practitioners under the NASP practice model and prepares students to work in an educational setting as a practicing school psychologist or to function as a platform for students wishing to later pursue a PhD. ISU is fully accredited by NASP as of February 1st, 2020.
ISU’s mission is creating practitioners that can help all youths succeed. To include those who may struggle academically and/or behaviorally and those who may just need an extra nudge to reach their maximal potential. We do this in part by helping them to develop needed skills and receive the necessary evidence based interventions within the school environment. Those who graduate from the program will be able to meet the diverse and unique needs of rural communities, and beyond, and offer culturally competent services to improve the lives of students, parents, and teachers.
School psychologists work to help students and youth achieve success, both in school and in life.
The training will focus on:
- administering assessments to determine the proper eligibility for services
- learning to utilize the RTI model
- create and implement IEP’s that are supported by the best evidence based interventions
- administer behavioral interventions
- developing cross cultural competence
- Being well trained in NASP’s 10 domains of school psychology
ISU offers a hybrid model of learning which allows students the unique opportunity of practicing school psychology across the state of Idaho, while receiving proper instruction from a diverse and experienced faculty that can help students in their pursuit of becoming competent practitioners across the country.
Frequently asked questions:
Q: Is this a virtual/online program?
A: Our training programs are NOT labeled as 100% online due to the practicum courses that necessitate physical attendance in designated school settings in Idaho. During the regular semesters (fall and spring), our courses are synchronous, allowing students to participate in live, virtual class sessions each week from a distance. Our summer courses are asynchronous, enabling students to progress through a series of units at their own pace, according to their individual schedules.
Q: May I directly apply for the Ed.S. program since I already have a master’s degree in a related field?
A: Our program is structured as an Ed.S. program totaling 64 credits and is approved by the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP). As part of the pathway to the Ed.S. degree, students earn an M.Ed. degree after completing their first year of study (31 credits). It is uncommon to start directly at the Ed.S. level due to the prerequisites offered at the master’s level. For instance, candidates cannot enroll in advanced practicum courses without first completing the beginning practicum and the comprehensive written and oral exams at the end of the M.Ed. study. Therefore, we cannot offer an Ed.S. degree without the 31 credits from the Master’s of Education (M.Ed.). However, once admitted into the master's program, our Graduate School allows the substitution of up to 9 graduate credits with equivalent courses previously completed.
Q: Is the Ed.S. degree earned from this program applicable for employment outside of Idaho after graduation?
A: Yes, since our program is NASP-approved, our graduates are eligible to apply for the Nationally Certified School Psychologist (NCSP) credential, which is valid for initial certification in all 50 states.
Q: What are the career options and employment rates after graduation from the program?
A: We have a 100% employment rate, with the majority of our graduates employed by school districts as school psychology practitioners. For more information, please visit the NASP web page titled "School Psychology: A Career That Makes a Difference" (https://www.nasponline.org/about-school-psychology/a-career-that-makes-a-difference).
Please see the following links from our state (ISPA) and national organizations (NASP and APA) for more information regarding the profession and related resources.