SPSY 7511 01: Prof Issues in SPSY

SPSY 7511 - Professional Issues in School Psychology

Summer 2026 Syllabus, Section 01, CRN 30223,

Credit hours: 3

Course Meeting Times

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Instructor

Dana Elmquist

Assistant Professor

Ph.D., School Psychology, Indiana University of Pennsylvania, 2021
Master’s, Educational Psychology, Indiana University of Pennsylvania, 2019
Bachelor’s, Education, Clarion University of Pennsylvania, 2015
Nationally Certified School Psychologist

Office: Beeghly #3308

Office Phone: 330-941-3256

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Course Description

7511. Professional Issues in School Psychology . This course involves various ethical and legal principles that have relevance to professional practice (i.e., assessing limits of competency, addressing potential dilemmas, utilizing available resources, coverage of landmark court cases, and understanding personal values and biases). Candidates are expected to fully understand and practice NASP Principles for Professional Ethics. Candidates are afforded the opportunity to review and practice various special education compliance mandates (i.e., timelines, documentation, parent rights, I.E.P development, etc.). Prereq.: EdS in SPSY Candidate. 3 s.h.

Course Readings

Group Title Author ISBN
Required Ethics and law for school psychologists Jacob, S., Decker, D. M., Timmermann Lugg, E., Diamond, E.. L. 978-1-119-81635-5
Optional

Afflerbach, P. (2016). Reading assessment: Looking ahead. Reading Teacher, 69, 413-419. 

Friedman-Krauss, A. H. & Raver, C. C. (2015). Does school mobility place elementary school children at risk for lower math achievement? The mediating role of cognitive dysregulation.Developmental Psychology, 51, 1725-1739. 

Graham, S., Hebert, M., & Harris, K. R. (2015). Formative assessment and writing: A meta-analysis. Elementary School Journal, 115, 523-547. 

Isabelle, A. (2015) Concept mapping revisited: Nurturing children’s writing skills in science. Language and Literacy Spectrum, 25, 44-57. 

Kosher, H., Jiang, X., Ben-Arieh, A., & Huebner, E. S. (2014). Advances in children’s rights and children’s well-being measurement: implications for school psychologists. School Psychology Quarterly, 29(1), 7. 

Lim, S. J. J., & Hoot, J. L. (2015).Bullying in an increasingly diverse school population: A socio-ecological model analysis. School Psychology International, 36(3), 268-282. 

McIntosh, K., Martinez, R. S., Ty, S. V., & McClain, M. B. (2013). Scientific research in school psychology: Leading researchers weigh in on its past, present, and future. Journal of School Psychology, 51(3), 267-318. 

Merrell, K. W., Ervin, R. A., & Peacock, G. G. (2011). School psychology for the 21st century: Foundations and practices. Guilford Press. 

Miller, D. N., & Jome, L. M. (2010). School psychologists and the secret illness: Perceived knowledge, role preferences, and training needs regarding the prevention and treatment of internalizing disorders. School Psychology International, 31(5), 509-520. 

Nastasi, B. K. & Naser, S. (2014). Child rights as a framework for advancing professional standards for practice, ethics, and professional development in school psychology. School Psychology International, 35, 36-49. 

Raver, C. C., & Blair, C. (2016). Neuroscientific Insights: Attention, Working Memory, and Inhibitory Control. The Future of Children, 26(2), 95-118. 

The course readings are subject to change in the event of extenuating circumstances, research developments, current events, and/or to ensure better learning.  

Critical Tasks

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Course Learning Outcomes/Objectives/Goals

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How to Succeed in This Course

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Attendance Expectations

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Late Work Submission Policy

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Additional Course Expectations

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Artificial Intelligence Policy Statement

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Assignments/Assessments

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Grading and Grading Scale

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University Policies

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Schedule of Topics and Assignments

Day Date Proposed Topic Due/To Prepare for Class
Mon 5/11 Course Syllabus Overview
Landmark Court Case Assignment
Ethics and Law in School Psychology: An Introduction
Textbook Chapter 1 (pp. 1-12)
Wed 5/13 Balancing Ethics and Law in School Psychology NASP Principles for Professional Ethics (Appendix A of Textbook)
Textbook Chapter 1 (pp. 13-23) & Chapter 2
Updated Primer of Special Education Law (Zirkel, 2020)
Mon 5/18 Chapter Presentation Assignments
DECIDE Model
BB Discussion (2)
The DECIDE Model (in BB)
Textbook Chapter 1 (pp. 23-34)
Wed 5/20 Landmark Court Cases Presentations Landmark Court Cases Presentations
Mon 5/25
Wed 5/27 Chapter 3: Privacy and Informed Consent-Record Keeping
Chapter 4: Ethical-Legal Issues in the Education of Students with Disabilities
Textbook Chapters 3 & 4
Assigned Group Presentation
BB Discussion (2)
Mon 6/1 Chapter 5: Section 504 and the ADA
Chapter 6: Ethical and Legal Issues in Psychoeducational
Textbook Chapters 5 & 6
Assigned Group Presentation
BB Discussion (2)
Wed 6/3 Chapter 7: Ethical and Legal Issues in School-Based Interventions
Chapter 8 Indirect Services I: Ethical-Legal Issues in Working with Teachers and Parents
Textbook Chapters 7 & 8
Assigned Group Presentation
BB Discussion (2)
Mon 6/8 Chapter 9 Indirect Services II: Special Topics in Systems Level Consultation
Chapter 10: Research in the Schools: Ethical and Legal Issues
Textbook Chapters 9 & 10
Assigned Group Presentation
BB Discussion (2)
Legal-Ethical Fact-Sheet and Presentation Topic Due to Instructor for Approval
Wed 6/10 Chapter 11: Ethical & Legal Issues in Supervision
Chapter 12: Ethics, Law, and Advocacy
Textbook Chapters 11 & 12
Assigned Group Presentation
BB Discussion (2)
Mon 6/15 Legal Ethical Fact-Sheet Presentations Completed Legal Ethical Fact-Sheet & Presentation Due to BB
Wed 6/17 Final Exam (Online)
Ethics for School Psychologists - Contemporary Considerations (Asynch)
Final Exam (BB)
Mon 6/22 Comprehensive Exam (10:00-12:00pm; Beeghly 3304) Comprehensive Exam (10:00-12:00pm; Beeghly 3304)
Wed 6/24 Ohio Operating Standards and Internship (Asynch) Course Reflection Due to BB

The course schedule, policies, procedures, and assignments in this course are subject to change in the event of extenuating circumstances, by mutual agreement, and/or to ensure better learning.