NotesFAQContact Us
Collection
Advanced
Search Tips
Back to results
Peer reviewed Peer reviewed
Direct linkDirect link
ERIC Number: EJ688781
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2004-Dec-1
Pages: 15
Abstractor: Author
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1045-3830
EISSN: N/A
Graduate Students' Perspectives of Academic Positions in School Psychology
Nagle, Richard J.; Suldo, Shannon M.; Christenson, Sandra L.; Hansen, Anastasia L.
School Psychology Quarterly, v19 n4 spec iss p311-326 Dec 2004
An increasing number of vacancies in school psychology academic positions and the reduced number of applicants seeking to enter academia have created projected shortages in academe. The purpose of the current study was to determine perspectives of academia held by current school psychology graduate students, who are in line to become the next generation of trainers. Based on information yielded from focus groups conducted with graduate students at two major doctoral school psychology training programs, a 42-item survey was designed to assess students' beliefs regarding benefits and drawbacks of an academic position, possible incentives that would encourage one to apply for an academic position, and past and current likelihood of applying for an academic position. Doctoral students from 98 school psychology graduate programs were invited to participate in the study; a total of 236 students returned completed surveys. Results indicated a significant trend toward increased consideration of an academic career as students progress through graduate school. The highest-ranked benefits of an academic career involved roles and activities inherent to the position, as opposed to potential benefits such as salary or prestige. Regarding perceived drawbacks to academia, job stress was ranked as the most significant deterrent, while the area of least concern involved current preparation to assume an academic position. Finally, respondents agreed on several incentives that would be helpful in overcoming hesitancy in applying for an academic position, including reducing politics in the tenure process, increasing salary, and increased availability of academic positions that emphasize applied work. Implications for current trainers are discussed.
Guilford Press, 72 Spring Street, New York, NY 10012. Tel: 800-365-7006, ext. 3 (Toll Free); Tel: 212-431-9800, ext. 3; Fax: 212-966-6708; e-mail: news@guilford.com.
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Evaluative
Education Level: Higher Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A