Date of Award

2021

Degree Name

School Psychology

College

College of Education and Professional Development

Type of Degree

Ed.S.

Document Type

Thesis

First Advisor

Dr. Sandra Stroebel, Committee Chairperson

Second Advisor

Dr. R. Lanai Jennings

Third Advisor

Dr. Conrae Lucas-Adkins

Abstract

The United States continues to experience a shortage of school psychologists nationwide which has been found to impact both students and school psychologists in negative ways. There is a broad scope of practice that school psychologists are competently able to provide but are physically unable to deliver because of their need to focus on required assessments and testing. Overwhelming workloads can create stress and lead to burnout. However, little research has been done to understand the shortage of school psychologists in the country, including the state of West Virginia. To better understand West Virginia’s shortage problem, this researcher conducted a survey successfully completed by one participant from 47 of the 55 counties in West Virginia. It was found that 33 of 47 counties currently had a ratio of students to school psychologists higher than the nation’s average ratio of students to school psychologists (1:1,381). Only 4 counties met the NASP recommended ratio of no more than 1,000 students per school psychologist. Ratios did not vary by size or location of the county. Common reasons believed by participants for shortages include inadequate numbers of students produced by graduate programs, lack of interest due to salary, and lack of awareness about the profession. Common strategies to address the shortages include utilizing contract psychologists and advertising positions. Recommendations for future studies include expanding the current study to have a wider population by surveying contracted school psychologists and special education teachers.

Subject(s)

School psychology -- West Virginia.

School psychologists -- West Virginia.

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