In this theme we are studying a number of issues related to recruitment and retention in school psychology. See below for the various focus areas within this research program

The School Psychology Shortage and Recruitment of Students

This project focuses on issues related to the recruitment and retention of school psychologists. Throughout the history of school psychology there has been a shortage of practitioners and faculty and this shortage continues to the present day. Similar to other positions in education, there are not enough students coming into the field to replace those retiring or moving into other positions. The research projects in these theme explore how to recruit more students to the field as well as how to retain those who are currently practicing.

Research Presentations from this Project:

Undergraduate Perceptions of School Psychology (National Association of School Psychologists 2020)

Undergraduate Perceptions of Graduate School in Psychology (SOURCE 2019)

A Study of School Psychology Graduate Program Capacity and the Shortage of School Psychologists in Washington (Washington State Association of School Psychologists 2019)

Publications from this Project:

Links to Literature Reviews on Research and Retention in School Psychology

Career Pathways for School Psychologists – by Marko Oksanen (2020)

Aspirations and Barriers for Diverse Students for Graduate School

With the increasing educational attainment of students from diverse ethic and cultural backgrounds at the undergraduate level, an important issue is helping to increase the number of diverse students who are able to pursue graduate school. This project was initiated by Yecenia Ramirez, CWU Psychology graduate and current graduate student in school psychology. In this project, the aspirations and barriers of diverse students with regards to pursuing graduate school were explored using a survey design. The project is in the data analysis phase in the 2020-2021 school year. See below for a conceptual overview of the project.

Research Presentations from this Project:

The Aspirations and Barriers of Diverse Students for Graduate School (Western Psychological Association 2018) WPA Aspirations and Barriers of Diverse Students for Graduate School