II. OVERVIEW OF THE Ph.D. PROGRAM IN SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGY

Rationale

The school psychology program at the University of Kentucky is designed to educate and prepare students to be professional psychologists with expertise in education in diverse educationally related settings. The sequence of coursework and experience is organized to provide knowledge in: (a) the core areas of psychology, education, and research methodology; (b) a professional psychology core; and (c) a special competency component. Through a systematic exposure to the research and theories of psychology and education, and the skills of the psychological service provider, each student will develop a personal integration of scientific and professional expertise and commitment.

School psychologists work in a variety of professional settings including preschools, elementary and secondary educational institutions, higher education institutions, medical settings, government agencies, and private and/or group practice(s). Within these organized settings, school psychologists may function as educators, administrators, researchers, consultants, growth facilitators, and/or remedial agents. The school psychologist is trained to combine the basic principles of psychology including human development, cognition and learning, social psychology, and research and theory, in order to enhance the intellectual, emotional, and social development of students in an educational setting. School psychologists accomplish these goals through the provision of direct assessment and intervention services, development of innovative programs, consultation with teachers, parents and administrators, and participation in preventive mental health programs and activities within the school and community. The school psychology program takes advantage of its location in the College of Education to foster integration between education and psychology in the training program.

Because of the diversity of demands placed on the practicing school psychologist, the training program provides in-depth coverage of psychological and educational issues including consideration of organizational and social aspects of schooling, consultation processes, and preventive mental health. Coverage of these topics along with the direct service skills in assessment and intervention, result in the school psychologist becoming a designer of optimal psycho-educational services. Practitioners will be able to draw on existing research and theory to design unique applications as they are needed for learning and adjustment by individuals in educational settings. In addition, practitioners will be capable of contributing to the research base from which they draw information.

The overall goal of the UK School Psychology Training Program is to educate professionals who will maintain a continuing pursuit of scholarly knowledge and expertise, promote the application of psychology to educational problems, and facilitate human welfare.