Training of bilingual school psychologists in the United States: A culturally and linguistically responsive approach

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to discuss the need for high-quality professional training of bilingual school psychologists and to describe the structure of a bilingual training program housed at Fordham University in the US. This paper discusses the shortage of school psychologists at national and local levels in the United States and then addresses the acute shortage of bilingual school psychologists in culturally and linguistically diverse urban schools. The article provides a review of relevant research and practice for bilingual school psychologists through the perspective of Fordham University's curriculum, competencies, fieldwork, and internship. The authors identify challenges and potential opportunities to enhance culturally and linguistically responsive training of school psychologists. Applications for global school psychology practice are discussed, and limitations are addressed.