This course is designed to provide you with experiences and support throughout your practicum experience. You will focus on developing competencies with culturally and linguistically diverse students. As a group, students will share with each other their experiences and discuss ways in which to problem-solve situations. The course is designed to help you:
- Increase understanding of various educational and mental health models and practices and apply this knowledge to personal and institutional practices within the United States
- Increase language proficiency
- Increase knowledge of the impact of cultural and linguistic diversity on the cognitive, social and emotional development of children
- Develop a personal awareness by confronting biases and prejudices
Participating students must have been accepted into the school psychology graduate program at UC Denver, completed two semesters of full-time participation in the school psychology graduate program, and be in good academic standing (i.e. no failed courses, not on academic probation etc.).
Tentative Daily Calendar:
8:30-11:30 Spanish Language Courses: Students will be evaluated and divided into courses appropriate for their language ability. No more than four students will be placed together into a class.
11:30-12:00 Lunch/Free time
12:00-3:00 Observation of Educational and/or Mental Health Agency
3:00-4:00 Group Meeting (participants and Dr. Harris)
4:00-5:00 Meal with Host Family/Free Time
5:00-7:00 Community Events (such as meeting with parents and talking about educational system in Mexico, Cooking class, Dance class, Movie night)
7:00 pm to 8:30 am – Participant Free time/Sleeping time
Students will be required to spend 150 clock hours in activities related to this practicum, and will turn in logs documenting their activities.
School Psychology related experiences will include:
- Observation in various public and private schools
- Meetings with school professionals (including educational psychologists)
- Visits to mental health clinics and facilities
- Meetings with parents about their views of the educational and mental health services in Mexico
You do not need to have Spanish language experience prior to attending this program. If you enroll in this practicum course, you are required to enroll in 3 credit hours. Because of this, you can enroll in solely 1 practicum credit during the spring semester. Please apply by March 12, 2010. Rolling admissions. Limited space available. Late fee of $50 applies after March 12, 2010.