School psychology: Increasing awareness, enhancing policies, and reducing shortages

Abstract

This exploratory mixed methods study investigates the school psychology workforce shortage phenomenon and underlying contributing factors. The development of an Education Specialist school psychology program in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic prompted the authors to explore variables impacting awareness of the school psychology profession. State policies were reviewed to identify how many states have adopted the nationally recommended 1:500 ratio for school psychologists. Additionally, undergraduate and postbaccalaureate student knowledge of the work of school-based mental health professionals, specifically school psychologists, was surveyed. Finally, the authors explore the need for new action frameworks to achieve this awareness and to promote workforce policy development. Based on findings, three key points for practitioners are the need to promote the adoption of policies that align with the 1:500 recommended ratio for school psychologists, increase awareness of the profession with preservice and in-service educators, and create coordinated training pathways and career opportunities for individuals to become school psychologists.