Frequently Asked
Questions – Bilingual School Psychology Certification
Does NASP offer
bilingual school psychology certification?
NASP often receives questions regarding the competencies
needed to assess students who are English Language Learners (ELL’s). While NASP does not offer bilingual
certification or currently have a list of competencies needed to work with this
special population, the Bilingual School
Psychology Interest Group has begun initial discussions on the matter. In
addition, other organizations and a few states have begun to form guidelines
for competency.
The following states and/or state organizations provide a
comprehensive guide that could be used as a model for interested individuals to
determining minimum competencies needed for the assessment of ELL’s and/or
bilingual students.
California – Specialized Certificate for the
Assessment of ELL’s http://www.caspsurveys.org/NEW/english_learners.asp
The California Association of
School Psychologists (CASP) has developed a certification program that
addresses competencies needed to provide assessment of ELL’s. While this
program is only available to credentialed school psychologists in
California, the
requirements provide a general idea of competencies needed to effectively
assess ELL students.
1. Valid
California
School Psychologist Credential
2. Two year (or
full-time equivalent) practice working as a school psychologist
3. Documentation of 15
hours of post credential training in the following areas (Minimum of 3
hours in each area):
- Second Language
Acquisition
- Educating
English Learners
- Culturally and
Linguistically Diverse Perspectives
- Bilingual
Assessment
4. Attendance at one required, 16-hour workshop
designed and sponsored by CASP. This workshop will be offered at selected CASP
conferences and training events.
5. Submission of one comprehensive case study of
an ELL student that incorporates content learned in the training.
New York - Bilingual Extension http://www.vesid.nysed.gov/lsn/bilingual/trainingmodules05rr.pdf
The New York State Education Department has developed
specific guidelines for assessment of ELL students.
New
York guidelines specifically address the competencies
needed for a “bilingual” school psychologist.
1. Language proficiency in
English and the student/youth's primary language including:
- oral communication with
children and parents in general communication, assessment and intervention
situations;
- reading and writing; and
- technical language associated
with psychological assessment.
2.
Knowledge of the culture of the child/youth's language group and an
understanding of the impact of culture on performance and behavior.
3. Professional experience with
culturally and linguistically diverse (CLD) children and youth.
4. General knowledge of
psycho-educational assessment and report writing for CLD children and youth in
English and the primary language including the:
- limitations of assessment for
CLD children and youth;
- selection of appropriate
instruments for CLD children and youth;
- adaptation of available
instruments for CLD children and youth;
- use of qualitative and
alternative assessment techniques; and
- ability to interpret
assessment data through the integration of socio cultural background,
experiential background and socio-linguistic developmental factors.
5.
Knowledge of instructional interventions appropriate to the needs of CLD
children and youth in general and special education settings including but not
limited to native language and English as a second language instruction.
6. Knowledge of mental health interventions appropriate to
the needs of CLD children and their families.