Panel Discussion: From Panel Discussion: From Chaos Come ResolutionsChaos Come Resolutions

Student PerspectiveStudent Perspective

Gena N. EhrhardtGena N. EhrhardtIndiana State UniversityIndiana State University

Student Affiliates in School PsychologyStudent Affiliates in School Psychology

On-Site Student ParticipantsOn-Site Student Participants

5 female students5 female students EthnicityEthnicity

2 African American2 African American 1 Hispanic/Caucasian 1 Hispanic/Caucasian 2 Caucasian2 Caucasian

All participants had experience in schools All participants had experience in schools prior to entering their training programs.prior to entering their training programs.

Acceptance as ParticipantsAcceptance as Participants All students felt that they were equal contributors to All students felt that they were equal contributors to

their group discussions.their group discussions. This was a forum where questions could be asked that This was a forum where questions could be asked that

might not have been in any other arena.might not have been in any other arena. Students were optimistic that more student Students were optimistic that more student

involvement will occur in a future conference.involvement will occur in a future conference. This was an ideal situation where students could learn This was an ideal situation where students could learn

about what is going on in other programs and school about what is going on in other programs and school districts.districts.

The authors of textbooks are real people. The authors of textbooks are real people. People were accessible and approachable.People were accessible and approachable.

Surprised ReactionsSurprised Reactions

What is taught in training programs is not what is What is taught in training programs is not what is done in schools.done in schools. Thought that more time was spent on consultation, Thought that more time was spent on consultation,

counseling, FBA, and intervention-based practicescounseling, FBA, and intervention-based practices We say that we need to take a leadership role in We say that we need to take a leadership role in

schools, but the textbooks already say that we do.schools, but the textbooks already say that we do. The percentage of students graduating from training The percentage of students graduating from training

programs is not keeping up with the rate of programs is not keeping up with the rate of professionals retiring in the field.professionals retiring in the field.

Cultural IssuesCultural Issues

The majority of the children in special The majority of the children in special education are ethnic minorities, but the education are ethnic minorities, but the majority of the school psychologists are ethnic majority of the school psychologists are ethnic majorities.majorities.

Does the education of ethnic students in Does the education of ethnic students in training programs adequately meet their training programs adequately meet their needs?needs?

Do we appreciate cultural differences?Do we appreciate cultural differences?

How can you know that How can you know that a difference exists if a difference exists if you didn’t know it you didn’t know it

exists?exists?

Foreseeable ResultsForeseeable Results New directions and implications for future training.New directions and implications for future training. Programs with fewer course requirements will be Programs with fewer course requirements will be

challenged in adequately meeting the training needs challenged in adequately meeting the training needs for future school psychologists.for future school psychologists.

Practitioners, professors, and professional Practitioners, professors, and professional organizations may begin mentoring and providing a organizations may begin mentoring and providing a support system for ethnic students and professionals.support system for ethnic students and professionals.

Theories can be integrated into a setting where they Theories can be integrated into a setting where they can be applied.can be applied.

New perspectives on abilities and differences can be New perspectives on abilities and differences can be emphasized to maximize learning and affirm students emphasized to maximize learning and affirm students for who they are as contributing members of society.for who they are as contributing members of society.

““I’m excited about the future!”I’m excited about the future!”

““When I leave conferences, I think I When I leave conferences, I think I should…now I think I want to.”should…now I think I want to.”

Virginia Smith Virginia Smith HarveyHarvey