School Psychology

School psychologists help students succeed academically, socially, and emotionally. They collaborate with educators, parents, and other professionals to create safe, healthy, and supportive learning environments for all students, strengthening connections between home and school. By collaborating with pupil services colleagues, teachers, parents, and community members, school psychologists improve educational outcomes for all students. DPI advocates the delivery of pupil services as a collaborative team and provides statewide training consistent with that idea. School psychology, like other areas of education, is an evolving profession. For that reason, professional practice bulletins are written when issues arise pertaining to the practice of school psychology in Wisconsin.

2007 Bulletins
#07-01, released 1/22/07: Individual Evaluation Reports by School Psychologists

School psychologists are highly trained in both psychology and education. They must complete a minimum of a post-Master’s degree program that emphasizes preparation in mental health, child development, learning styles and processes, behavior, motivation, effective teaching, and school organization. In addition to a Master's Degree, further graduate training of at least 30 credits, including a year-long internship is required for certification. Newly trained school psychologists in Wisconsin will also earn their Education Specialist degree (Ed. S.) following additional coursework and a specialists project. School psychologists must be certified by WI DPI to practice in our state. They also may be nationally certified via the Nationally Certified School Psychologist (NCSP). The school psychology consultant is a liaison to the Wisconsin School Psychologists Association (WSPA), and the seven Wisconsin Universities with training programs in school psychology, and other relevant organizations.

The School Psychology Program Consultant at the Department of Public Instruction supports school psychologists, school districts, universities, state agencies, professional organizations, and parents. The Consultant is a member of the Student Services/Prevention and Wellness Team, and collaborates closely with the Special Education Team at DPI. In addition to providing technical assistance on school psychology issues, the school psychology consultant also assists in the following program areas:

For questions about this information, contact John P. Humphries (608) 266-7189

Last updated on 2/22/2008 8:00:41 AM