School Psychology: Credential, Pupil Personnel Services

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The School Psychology Pupil Personnel Services (PPS) Credential Only program is designed for students who have already earned a masters and/or doctorate in another area of education and/or psychology (or a closely related field) from an accredited institution and wish to become a credentialed school psychologist. Based on the student’s background, which includes academic, clinical, teaching and training experiences, a specialized individualized curriculum is designed that includes coursework, practicum hours and a 1200-hour internship. This program does not result in the award of a master’s degree. All HSOE credential and authorization preparation programs are approved by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CCTC). Application for California Teaching or Administrative Services credentials or authorizations is made through the university’s Credential Analyst. Students will need to take the Praxis 2 exam and submit their results to HSOE, prior to their completion of their internship. Students will also need to complete the portfolio requirement, and enroll in the professional liability insurance that will be in effect during the internship year. This insurance can be purchased through NASP at discounted rates for students.

Program Outcomes

Coursework for the Alliant International University’s Hufstedler School of Education: PPS Credential Only Program in School Psychology assures that each candidate has knowledge and displays leadership in the following areas :

Professional Skills – PPS Credential School Psychology students are trained to administer, score, and interpret psycho-educational assessment and intervention techniques/modalities. PPS Credential School Psychology students master the application of these psycho-educational assessment and intervention modalities within their 450 hour coursework practicum and subsequent 1200 hour internship.
Professional Roles – PPS Credential School Psychology students gain invaluable experience through the apprenticeship model on how to engage in the diverse roles associated with being a school psychologist within a school district.
Applied Research – PPS Credential students learn how to engage in program development and evaluation as well as being a catalyst for educational action research endeavors.
Professional Concepts – PPS Credential School Psychology students are exposed to foundations coursework in applied educational psychology, special education laws, ethical standards and behavior, and with ethnically and culturally diverse populations.

Specialized Admissions Requirements

In addition to HSOE General Graduate Admissions Requirements, candidates must complete the following prior to participating in any practicum or internship hours within a K-12 school setting:

pass a TB test,
receive a Certificate of Clearance from CCTC,
complete a FBI screening, and
passing score on California Basic Educational Skills Test (CBEST)
send official transcripts from all of the colleges and universities that they have attended to the Alliant registrar.