Description

This project is designed to offer specialist-level students in school psychology specialized training in working with students with Low Incidence Disabilities (LID). Through experience in both special and general education settings, project trainees develop competencies in assessment, intervention, consultation, and inclusion for students with LID, including autism, severe physical and cognitive deficits, and sensory impairments.

The project is based on the concept that this type of training is critical for school psychology practitioners, given current challenges in school psychology and special education including:

• The widening gap between current practice and best practice.
• The increasing trend away from the ‘refer-test-place’ model of service delivery.
• The expansion of roles to include assistance in planning the instruction
   and integration of students with LID.
• The emphasis on developing effective interventions.

Photo of a student using picture communication boards.             Photo of a project trainee and teacher working on one-on-one instruction.
Training in augmentative communication                    A project trainee delivers one-on-one
skills.                                                                                 academic instruction.

Objectives

Specific objectives of the grant include:

• Development of school psychology trainees’ skills in assessment, intervention, and consultation
   for the integration of students with LID.
• Competency in direct service in special education classrooms.
• Competency in consultation with general education teachers.