Noticed Rule

Concerning School Psychologist Requirements

EDUCATIONAL EXAMINERS BOARD[282]

Notice of Intended Action

Twenty–five interested persons, a governmental subdivision, an agency or association of 25 or more persons may demand an oral presentation hereon as provided in Iowa Code section 17A.4(1)“b.”

Notice is also given to the public that the Administrative Rules Review Committee may, on its own motion or on written request by any individual or group, review this proposed action under section 17A.8(6) at a regular or special meeting where the public or interested persons may be heard.

Pursuant to the authority of Iowa Code section 272.2, the Board of Educational Examiners hereby gives Notice of Intended Action to amend Chapter 15, “Requirements for Special Education Endorsements,” Iowa Administrative Code.

The proposal to amend subrule 15.11(2) is intended to make the requirements for the school psychologist endorsement more clear.

A waiver provision is not included.  The Board has adopted a uniform waiver rule.

Any interested party or persons may present their views either orally or in writing at the public hearing that will be held Wednesday, April 2, 2008, at 1 p.m. in Room 3 Southwest, Third Floor, Grimes State Office Building, East 14th Street and Grand Avenue, Des Moines, Iowa.

At the hearing, persons will be asked to give their names and addresses for the record and to confine their remarks to the subject of the proposed amendment.  Persons who wish to make oral presentations at the public hearing may contact the Executive Director, Board of Educational Examiners, Grimes State Office Building, East 14th Street and Grand Avenue, Des Moines, Iowa 50319–0147, or at (515)281– 5849, prior to the date of the public hearing.

Any person who intends to attend the public hearing and requires special accommodations for specific needs, such as a sign language interpreter, should contact the office of the Executive Director at (515)281–5849.

Any interested person may make written comments or suggestions on the proposed amendment before 4 p.m. on Friday, April 4, 2008.  Written comments and suggestions should be addressed to Marcia J. Henderson, Board Secretary, Board of Educational Examiners, at the above address, or sent by E–mail to marcia.henderson@iowa.gov, or by fax to (515)281–7669.

This amendment is intended to implement Iowa Code chapter 272.

A fiscal impact summary prepared by the Legislative Services Agency pursuant to Iowa Code § 17A.4(3) will be available at http://www.legis.state.ia.us/IAC.html or at (515) 281–5279 prior to the Administrative Rules Review Committee’s review of this rule making.

The following amendment is proposed.

Amend subrule 15.11(2) as follows:

15.11(2)  Program requirements.

a.   An applicant shall have completed a program of graduate study that is currently approved (or that was approved at the time of graduation) by the National Association of School Psychologists or the American Psychological Association, or be certified as a Nationally Certified School Psychologist by the National Association of School Psychologists, in preparation for service as a school psychologist through one of the following options:

(1) Completion of a master’s degree with sufficient graduate semester hours beyond a baccalaureate degree to total 60; or

(2) Completion of a specialist’s degree of at least 60 graduate semester hours with or without completion of a terminal master’s degree program; or

(3) Completion of a 60–semester–hour master’s degree program; or Completion of a doctoral degree program of at least 60 graduate semester hours with or without completion of a terminal master’s degree program or specialist’s degree program.

(4) Completion of a graduate school psychology program that is currently approved (or was approved at the time of graduation) by the National Association of School Psychologists or the American Psychological Association; or

(5) Certification as a Nationally Certified School Psychologist by the National Association of School Psychologists.

The program must include a practicum in a school setting designed to give the school psychologist an opportunity to develop an understanding of the role of psychology in the classroom through participation in classroom procedures in a supportive role.

b.   The program shall include an approved human relations component. 

c.   The program must include preparation that contributes to the education of students with disabilities and students who are gifted and talented.