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Fitness and Performance for Continuance

A student’s admission into the School Psychology Program does not guarantee their fitness to remain in the Program. The faculty is responsible for ensuring that only those students who continue to meet Program standards are allowed to continue in the Program.

Students enrolled in the School Psychology program, must meet all standards outlined by Miami’s Graduate School, satisfactorily pass comprehensive exams, maintain high ethical standards, successfully complete all CAEP Key Assessments (see next section for more information about these key assessments), and develop and demonstrate skills necessary to work effectively with students and colleagues with diverse needs.

School psychologists-in-training have a responsibility to understand and adhere to the codes of ethics of relevant professional entities (e.g., National Association of School Psychologists and the American Psychological Association ).

Students are expected to adhere to applicable laws, regulatory policies, and rules and policies governing professional staff behavior at the agency or placement setting. Students have the same obligation to their students and clients as those required of professional mental health professionals and educators. Students are expected to also adhere to professional ethical conduct in their interactions with Miami colleagues, peers and assigned school personnel.

Students must demonstrate skills and techniques that are assessed at a level of competence by site supervisors and university supervisors. Students are expected to be aware of their own values, attitudes, beliefs and behaviors and to avoid imposing values that are inconsistent with counseling goals. Students must demonstrate respect for the diversity of clients, colleagues, and peers.

Students are also expected to follow University policies and adhere to University standards of academic honesty. Should academic dishonesty become a concern, program faculty should follow University procedures to process the claim. Further, school psychology program students must meet attendance policy standards. Regular attendance is expected at all class meetings or experiences for all courses.

Professional behavior on the part of students is expected at all times. Professional behavior encompasses a wide array of behaviors included, but not limited to:

  • Appropriate dress when working in the Department suite, and when visiting practicum sites or otherwise completing field hours.
  • Professional interactions with faculty members, peers, and staff on campus and at practicum sites.
  • Punctual attendance at all classes.
  • Prudent use of social networking sites and electronic media.

In accordance with the Miami University Student Handbook, although the University does not routinely monitor student behavior on social networking sites and other electronic media, students should be aware that behavior on such sites when reported to the University may be investigated and adjudicated.

Students should refrain from taking photographs, audio recordings, and video recordings of students or staff while on PreK-12 school property unless it is for a course assignment and they have obtained written parental consent. Students should also refrain from posting about PreK-12 school sites on social media.