2017 News Stories

School Psychology graduate students recognized for excellence at FASP Annual Conference

TAMPA, Fla. (November 29, 2017) – Two graduate students from the USF College of Education’s School Psychology program were recognized this month at the Florida Association of School Psychologist’s (FASP) 44th Annual Conference.

FASP represents school psychologists who work in schools, universities and other educational and health settings throughout the state of Florida. The following College of Education students were recognized:

Sarah E. Dickinson, Thomas Oakland Research Grant

Doctoral student Sarah E. Dickinson was awarded the 2017 FASP Thomas Oakland Research Grant. The award is designed to support research in one of three main areas: school psychology related topics in an international or intercultural context, diversity issues and issues related to social justice.

Dickinson will use this award to evaluate the effectiveness of a new and affordable evidence-based intervention entitled Smart Start: Parenting Tools for Children with Developmental Delay, Social-Emotional Concerns, and Trauma. This intervention was developed to address the need for an affordable, evidence-based intervention that could be implemented by bachelor’s level early interventionists with young children who have an identified disability and maltreatment history.

Targeted outcomes will include child challenging behaviors, child PTSD symptomatology, parenting stress and positive parenting practices.

Rachel Tan Wei Shur, Entry Level Graduate Studies Award

Graduate student Rachel Tan Wei Shur was awarded the 2017 FASP Graduate Studies Award at the Entry Level. The award recognizes an outstanding school psychology student in a school psychology Educational Specialist (Ed.S) training program in the state of Florida and is given to those who seek an Ed.S as their terminal degree.

Tan Wei Shur came to Florida from Singapore where she worked for the Ministry of Education. Her professors shared, “Since her arrival at USF she has, quite simply, excelled in every way —academically, as a first-year leader, as a thoughtful and reflective ‘asker’ of courageous questions and as a student who has an endless thirst for knowledge and skills. She has impressed district staff in her first-year practicum with her passion, commitment and focus on how to improve outcomes for students. Her thoughtful, reflective and supportive interactions with educators in her school assignments have been recognized and appreciated. Rarely do we have a first-year student who has differentiated herself so early in her training and career.” 

About the USF College of Education
As one of the top 100 colleges of education in the nation, the USF College of Education is committed to preparing the next generation of leaders in the field of education. Through innovative research opportunities, hands-on field experiences and community partnerships, the College of Education provides the resources students need to be world-class educators, researchers and leaders. The USF College of Education is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) and is fully approved by the Florida Department of Education. 

About the Florida Associate of School Psychologists (FASP)
The mission of the Florida Associate of School Psychologists is to advocate for the mental health and educational development of Florida's children, youth, and families and to advance the profession of school psychology. Founded in 1957, the not-for-profit organization promotes School Psychology interests across the State of Florida to include representation to the National Council of School Psychologists.