NE North Dakota News

Minot State University's School Psychology program is fostering connections with similar programs across the United States. The program participated in the 2024 National Association of School Psychology (NASP) Conference held on February 12 in New Orleans. This event allowed MSU to network with other school psychologists and provided a valuable learning experience for attendees.

Penny Craven, director of the School Psychology program, secured a grant that financially enabled students to attend the NASP conference. "I came here to build the school psychology program. I wanted to be a part of training the next generation," Craven stated. She emphasized that this opportunity allows them to tailor their program to meet both local and national needs.

The program received a North Dakota School Psychology Service Professional Demonstration Grant from the U.S. Department of Education in 2023, collaborating with the Bureau of Indian Education-Turtle Mountain Schools and Education Program Administrator Casey Sovo. The Belcourt School District works closely with Minot State to support student learning and provide practical experience for students in the Education Specialist program.

Zachary Anderson, a first-year student, highlighted the hands-on nature of MSU's program compared to traditional research-based graduate programs. "School psychology is a very immersive and practicum-based program," he said, noting his personal connection to serving his community due to his Indigenous background.

Kandace Desjarlais, currently in her internship year, attended her second NASP conference this year. She expressed enthusiasm for building on skills gained last year through PREPaRE training—a crisis prevention model she can now teach within her community.

Craven noted how such opportunities help students grow professionally: "It helps students connect to the field in a bigger way." She acknowledged that school psychologists often work independently, leading some professionals to leave due to burnout.

Anderson remarked on the vast knowledge available at conferences like NASP: "It allows you to bring back what you learned to your community."

Thanks to a five-year ND SP Service Grant, MSU can fully support eight students in its 2024 cohort without financial burden from tuition or related expenses. Craven pointed out that they are unique as North Dakota's only nationally certified School Psychology program.

"We are also a nationally certified School Psychology program, so you will leave certified," she said about their comprehensive support system for students over three years.

Students appreciate these opportunities offered by Minot State University’s commitment toward their educational growth. "Minot State is providing a lot of opportunities for their students," Anderson concluded.