Project Goals

Background

SDSU has a 25-year history of preparing school counselors and school psychologists committed to serving Native American/Indigenous (NA/I) youth and communities. Very few other programs in the nation offer this specialization. NAI youth bring rich histories and cultural assets to the classroom; yet the percentages of NAI youth who remain over-represented or misidentified with special education needs remain completely unacceptable across the nation. NAI youth leave school at rates far higher than other groups, complete higher education at far lower rates, and attend classes with teachers who understand far less about them in general than about other students. School psychologists and school counselors prepared to address these issues make a powerful difference to the schools, the youth, and their communities.

The HARMONY Project will recruit, retain and graduate 12 highly qualified Scholars in either School Psychology or School Counseling who are committed to and have specialized in service to Native American and Indigenous youth, families and communities.   

Scholars competencies include: demonstrating knowledge and skills in: (a) foundational contexts in work with NA (e.g., history, education, parenting, policy, legal and ethical considerations, assessment, worldview and belief systems; development of self-as-learner); (b) assessing, implementing, and evaluating effectiveness of evidence-based interventions for literacy, math, and social-emotional and behavioral issues which impact achievement; (c) implementing effective interprofessional collaboration in support of NA youth in special education; and (d) effective collaboration with key stakeholders, specifically with special education teachers, parents and community members.