Practica and Field Experience

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From its inception, the training program in School Psychology at the University of South Carolina has been concerned with intergrating classroom learning with actual experience in school settings. One of the unique features of the School Psychology program is that along with academic course work, students participate in extensive practica and other field experiences under the direction of school psychology faculty members and community-based supervisors. These supervisors provide a variety of services to local school systems and other agencies in the Midlands of South Carolina, thereby serving the community as well as providing supervised applied training experience.

Practica have traditionally been associated with most of the major core courses. Practica requirements give the student an opportunity to practice applied skills and to become familiar with the role of the school psychologist. These field practicum courses are completed in local schools and related settings. In the course of training, students gain experience at all educational levels with a diverse pupil population relative to cultural-ethnic backgrounds, handicapping condition, and SES. Practicum experiences are intergrated with relevant course work.