Rochester Institute of Technology
Rochester, New York

COLLEGE of LIBERAL ARTS
Department of School Psychology

COURSE:  0527-712-01/02

1.0      TITLE: FIRST YEAR PRACTICUM EXPERIENCE

FALL QUARTER 2007
Section 01: Wednesdays 12:00 – 1:50; 09-3139
Section 02: Thursdays 2:00 – 3:50; 70-2690

Credit Hours:            2
Prerequisite(s):        Matriculation into School Psychology Program
Course taught by:     Suzanne Graney, Ph.D.
                                  sbggsp@rit.edu
                                  475-2765
Office Hours:  Wednesdays and Thursdays, 10:00-11:50

2.0       Course information: 

Quarter(s) offered (check)
__X___ Fall    _____ Winter     _____ Spring    _____ Summer

Students required to take this course:
This course is only open to fully matriculated school psychology students who are required to take this course.

3.0       Goals of the course

The primary goal for the first year practicum experience is to provide students with the opportunity to observe schools and school psychologists in action.   In this three–course sequence you will participate in supervised field experiences in school settings along with integrative on-campus seminars. 

4.0       Course description

During the first year practicum you will participate in activities enabling you to obtain first-hand knowledge and familiarity with a) schools as systems, b) the role and function of the school psychologist, c) collaborative problem solving, d) counseling, 3) teaching processes, and f) other relevant  professional and legal issues. In the first quarter you will be doing functional assessments, classroom observations, and possibly some achievement testing. In the second quarter you will do more teacher consultation and by the third quarter you will be doing more counseling. The learning goals will fall within the eight NASP domains of training (See Practicum Handbook) and will provide you with the fundamental building blocks for effective school psychology practice.

You will begin to gain an understanding of and sensitivity to the culturally diverse student populations that we have in the Greater Rochester Area.

You are expected to spend one full school day (6 hours) per week in your field placements (10 days). These periods correspond with the RIT fall, winter and spring quarters. If you are unable to attend on a scheduled day, you must notify your field supervisor in advance and schedule a make-up day. Additionally the filed supervisor may suggest deviations from the established routine to expose you to special events that may prove valuable learning experiences.

Resources

Best Practices in School Psychology IV (2002).  Alex Thomas, & Jeff Grimes (Eds).
            Bethesda, MD: National Association of School Psychologists

6.0       Intended learning outcomes and associated assessment methods

The intended learning outcomes are to develop skills in the eight domains of school psychology training and practice.  These eight domains include 1) interpersonal and collaborative skills, 2) diversity awareness and sensitive service delivery, 3) technological applications, 4) professional, legal, ethical, and social responsibility, 5) data-based decision making and accountability 6) systems-based service delivery, 7) enhancing the development of cognitive and academic skills, and 8) enhancing the development of wellness, social skills, and life competencies.

The Practicum I Plan outlines required activities for this 2-quarter (fall-winter) rotation and the domains addressed by each activity. During the first or second meeting with your field supervisor, discuss and develop an outline of any additional activities that you will accomplish during the current quarter – based on your needs, expectations and on what your specific placement can provide. At the end of the quarter, students and their field supervisors will review the plan, initializing those activities completed.

Additionally at the end of each quarter your supervisor will review your skill performance as outlined in the evaluation form included in the Practicum Handbook.

Course Requirements:

Practicum Hour Log

You will keep a systematic log documenting your activities while you are in your field placement. One complete school day per week for the duration of the current quarter needs to be accounted for (60 hours total). Please keep a running log of your hours at your field placement in addition to the hourly log. This log will include date, hours, activities, and supervisor’s initials. At the top of the log you will document both the hours for that day and the total quarter hours.

Practicum Reflection

For the first year practicum experience you will write (type) weekly reflection entries approximately 1 page in length. You may pick one activity or experience and reflect on that experience. Take time to reflect and integrate the experience. Please try to type these reflections as soon as possible after your practicum day.

Reflections need to be submitted to the course instructor promptly on a weekly basis. On the weeks that the class meets online these reflections will be posted by Wednesdays at 12:00.

Participation/Discussion

Your participation grade is determined by your participation in both field and class activities. Your class participation grade is based on your active engagement with the class discussions. When the class meets online you are expected to post your own reflection, and read and respond to your peers’ and instructors’ comments. Participation points are based on your exploration and support of issues as well as your suggestions or resources.

Field Supervisor’s Evaluation

At the end of each quarter your field supervisor needs to fill out the evaluation form ( see attached form). You should then sit down and review your progress together. You and your supervisor will also review the Practicum Placement Plan and your supervisor will initialize activities that you have completed.

Student’s Evaluation of Supervisor

At the end of each placement (for some of you that will be the end of fall quarter, for others that will be the end of winter quarter) please fill out a student evaluation (see Practicum Handbook) of your supervisor and the placement.

COURSE EVALUATION

1. Field Supervisor’s Evaluation                                                       50%
2. Journals                                                                                       15%
3. Class attendance and participation                                             25%
4. Skills level/motivation/integration of practicum experiences        10%

SCHEDULE for FALL QUARTER:

9/5-6                  Meet in sections

9/12-13            Meet in sections
                           Due this week: Practicum Plans

9/19-20            Meet online. Post reflections by Wednesdays at 12:00

9/26-27              Meet in sections 

10/3-4              Meet online. Post reflections by Wednesdays at 12:00

10/10-11            Meet in sections

10/17-18          Meet online.  Post reflections by Wednesdays at 12:00

10/24-25             Meet in sections

10/31-11/1         Meet in sections

11/7-8              Meet online.  Post reflections by Wednesdays at 12:00

Finals Week        Both sections together (Final Activity – time and location TBA)

Due by November 15th: Supervisor evaluation, Placement Plan (reviewed and initialized), Student Evaluation of Placement, Logs