· the values of the profession, reflected in national (NCATE/NASP) accreditation standards (see Training Program Standards-NASP);

· the California (legal) definition of school psychology and standards for program approval (see Training Program Standards-CTC);

· the SDSU and the California State University missions;

· the mission and goals of the Department of Counseling and School Psychology in the College of Education;

· the values and expertise of the school psychology faculty;

· formal needs assessments and program evaluations;

· and student, alumni, and other professional input.

The School-Based Programs Committee

The SBPC is composed of the core faculty in school counseling and school psychology, support (part-time) faculty as possible, and elected student representatives. All program policies and practices have been initiated in this committee. The SBPC holds regularly scheduled meetings once a month during the academic year. Agenda items should be submitted to the Program Director at least one week before the scheduled meeting.

The School Psychology Faculty

The core faculty are collectively responsible for student monitoring and evaluation. The faculty meet regularly (in addition to the SBPC) to discuss student concerns and to engage in collaborative problem-solving. Several of our federal project proposals have emerged from such faculty meetings.

The Program Director

The program director is responsible for the overall management of the program and the coordination of program activities. As the administrator of the program, this faculty member works with the department chair regarding such matters as scheduling courses, hiring part-time faculty, and projecting student enrollment and progress patterns.

The School Psychology Program Advisory Board

The Advisory Board, an appointed body, is composed of practicing school psychologists, administrators of school psychological services, other public school personnel, faculty members from other departments, members of the San Diego community, and at least three students. The Board usually meets once a semester to explore areas of mutual concern to the program and the schools. The Board provides guidance for further program development.

The Department of Counseling and School Psychology

The full-time faculty meet at least monthly to conduct the business of the department. Any changes in the requirements for the degree or credential must be approved by the department before continuing through the system (college then university) for discussion and approval. The departmental faculty is the official body for admission of students to degree and credential programs.

The Department Chair

The Department Chair is the chief administrator of the department and is responsible for ensuring that departmental actions are consistent with the policies of the larger institution. The chair is responsible for the budget, scheduling of courses (often a function of the budget), hiring of part-time faculty, and interfacing with the College, the Graduate Division, and University.

Beyond the Program and Department

All program and department actions are conducted in the context of the policies of the larger institution including the College of Education, the Graduate Division, the University Senate, and SDSU and CSU policies, rules, and regulations.