The Wiscard of Oz: Adventures in School Psychology
Published by Sophia and Marcus
Social Sciences
Science
School psychology graduate students Sophia Cuiffo and Marcus Lombardo discuss everything related to school psychology. Listen as Sophia and Marcus get honest about their experience of getting their master’s degrees at SUNY Oswego, and stay tuned to see what becomes of them in real time. They will talk to a variety of exciting guests to get a better understanding of topics such as cognitive tests, social justice, and mental health issues. They may also learn more about themselves in the process. You might just find yourself falling in love with school psychology right along with them!
The CRISP Fellows talk with Tasi Levao about their individual experiences working within a Mental Health Service Focused Grant (MHSP). One from Florida, and two from New York State, Bre, Nygeleke, and Tasi compare and contrast how the grant is implemented across different contexts. They explore what it looks like to be a school psychologist within the framework of the grant, how fellows are building resources and increasing support in the field, and the ways their work is impacting students, families, and communities. The conversation also highlights social justice efforts, culturally responsive practices, and the real-world outcomes the fellows are seeing across their cohorts.
Bre and Nygeleke are joined by Dr. Rebecca Branstetter for an engaging conversation on how to better support school psychologists in their work. Together, they explore practical strategies for becoming more effective and efficient in the field, while also diving into the evolving role of AI in school psychology and what it means for the future of the profession.
Nygeleke Jones, Breanna Clarke, and Matthew Quattropani sit down to discuss the importance of self-care in grad school, what it means to them personally, and how they practice it every day, including strategies to make self-care sustainable. As they embark on their journeys through their second year of the school psychology program, they share unique perspectives, lessons learned, and encouragement for others on the same path.
Breanna Clarke and Nygeleke Jones discuss SUNY Oswego’s Certificate of Advanced Studies program, sharing the highs, the challenges, and hopes for how the program can continue to grow. They are joined by special guests Matthew Quattropani, Joe Wood, KT Hancock, and Dr. Jodi Mullen. The group has a conversation about play therapy, hip hop therapy, and other culturally responsive modalities that could be used to support students with various challenges in the school setting, and more importantly, the various courses that SUNY Oswego students can take to satisfy their Certificate of Advanced Studies requirements.
In this episode, Sophia and Marcus talk to Dr. Laura Spenceley about the various educational and career options open to school psychologists as well as opportunities for leadership and advocacy. They learn about Dr. Spenceley’s career path, the different forms of advocacy, and the persistence required to create change in school systems and in graduate programs. Stay tuned to hear Sophia and Marcus discuss the considerations that go into choosing assessments for special education evaluations.
Nygeleke Jones, Breanna Clarke, and Sam Hatem share their perspective and experiences from their first year as school psychology graduate students at SUNY Oswego. As they enter their second year, they break down common shared experiences, independent struggles, and triumphs throughout their year. They share thoughts on how the program and the field as a whole can continue to grow, highlighting how we can work together to support the field, the students we serve, and new practitioners.
In this episode, Sophia and Marcus talk to Dr. John Garruto about the ethical considerations surrounding some of the most controversial topics in the field of school psychology. They learn about ethical problem-solving models, minimizing bias in evaluations, balancing FERPA and test security, the difference between imposter syndrome and a lack of competence, and more ethical issues. Stay tuned to hear Sophia and Marcus discuss the backstory and implications of the infamous Larry P. v. Riles case. Abumrad, J., & Corredera, T. (Hosts). (2019). The miseducation of Larry P. Radiolab [Audio podcast]. WNYC Studios . https://radiolab.org/podcast/g-miseducation-larry-p/transcript California Association of School Psychologists. (2023, October 10). Updated Larry P. guidance paper. https://casponline.org/pdfs/resource-papers/Updated%20Larry%20P.%20Guidance%20Paper%2010-10-23.pdf Fleming, N. (2019). A landmark lawsuit aimed to fix special ed for California’s Black students. It didn’t . KQED . https://www.kqed.org/news/11781032/a-landmark-lawsuit-aimed-to-fix-special-ed-for-californias-black-students-it-didnt Sullivan, A. L. (2010). Preventing disproportionality: A framework for culturally responsive assessment . Communiqué, 39 (3). Retrieved from: https://www.nasponline.org/publications/periodicals/communique/issues/volume-39-issue-3/preventing-disproportionality-a-framework-for-culturally-responsive-assessment
Are you gonna diagnose me? You're going to become a counselor? What job do you want to get? These are all real questions that many of us have heard when we tell people we are getting our master's degree in school psychology. Most of all, people are confused when we tell them about school psychology. To settle this matter once and for all, Sophia and Marcus invited several guests on the podcast to talk about what exactly school psychologists do every day. Enjoy the perspectives of Sam Hatem, Tori Perez, Mairead Mulvihill, Gabby Toombs, and Anna Demer in this enlightening episode.
In this episode, Sophia and Marcus talk to Dr. Michael Paff about how they can best utilize their roles in the schools to support students in the LGBTQ+ community. They learn about best practices for working with LGBTQ+ students, navigating politics in the schools, and how to advocate for these marginalized students. Stay tuned to hear Sophia, Marcus, and newcomer Bre summarize an important guidance document from the New York State Department of Education. Extra Resources: Gender Born, Gender Made: Raising Healthy Gender-Nonconforming Children by Diane Ehrensaft The Transgender Child by Rachel Pepper and Stephanie Brill The Transgender Teen by Stephanie Brill and Lisa Kenney References Planned Parenthood (n.d.). What’s intersex. https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/gender-identity/sex-gender-identity/whats-intersex#:~:text=Intersex%20is%20a%20general%20term,male%E2%80%9D%20or%20%E2%80%9Cfemale%E2%80%9D. The New York State Department of Education (2023, June). Creating a safe, supportive, and affirming school environment for transgender and gender expansive students: 2023 legal update and best practices. https://www.nysed.gov/sites/default/files/programs/student-support-services/creating-a-safe-supportive-and-affirming-school-environment-for-transgender-and-gender-expansive-students.pdf
In this episode, Sophia and Marcus chat with interns Lauren Guilds and Michael Donato to get an idea of what they can expect when they become interns in the fall. They learn about the most rewarding and most challenging parts of the internship, how to balance work and life, and how to make the most out of their experience. Stay tuned (01:02:30) to hear a brief history of how discriminatory housing policies and the highway system have led to negative outcomes for marginalized communities and how there may be hope in the near future. References Appleton, S. (n.d.). Mapmaker: Redlining in the united states. National Geographic. https://education.nationalgeographic.org/resource/mapmaker-redlining-united-states/ Federal Reserve History (2023, June 2). Redlining . https://www.federalreservehistory.org/essays/redlining Gross, T. (2017, May 3). A forgotten history of how the u.s. Government segregated america. NPR. https://www.npr.org/2017/05/03/526655831/a-forgotten-history-of-how-the-u-s-government-segregated-america Misiaszek, E. & Ostrander, D. (2024, February 21). Syracuse releases official community grid vision plan with big plans for southside. CNYCentral. https://cnycentral.com/news/local/syracuse-releases-official-community-grid-vision-plan-with-big-plans-for-southside Ramirez, R. (2021, May 21). The new york highway that racism built: It does nothing but pollute. The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2021/may/21/syracuse-new-york-highway-i81-viaduct-biden Sullivan, A. (2021, May 25). Divided highway. Reuters. https://www.reuters.com/graphics/USA-BIDEN/INFRASTRUCTURE-FREEWAYS/qzjpqbzzyvx/ University of Richmond (n.d.). Mapping Inequality. https://dsl.richmond.edu/panorama/redlining/
In this episode, Sophia and Marcus have an enlightening conversation with Dr. Charles Barrett. They learn more about how to apply the principles of social justice in their work, and they discuss controversial topics such as school resource officers, assessment bias, and challenging colleagues. Stay tuned to hear Marcus and Sophia’s reflections on their conversation as well as a discussion surrounding what gives them hope for our troubled education system.
In this lively episode, Sophia and Marcus get some fresh perspectives on the graduate student experience. They are joined by first year graduate students and CRISP Fellows Nocyia Logan, Tori Perez, and Joe Wood to discuss their first semester in the program, the new mentorship program, and the fellowship. Sophia, Marcus, Nocyia, Tori, and Joe also try their hand at art as they illustrate what they want their futures to look like. Stay tuned to hear some strategies for helping students cope with international conflict. All music from Music_For_Videos (Oleg Kyrylkovv) References NASP School Safety and Crisis Response Committee. (2023). Supporting Youth Affected by the Violence in Israel and Gaza: Tips for Caregivers and Educators . National Association of School Psychologists.
In this episode, Sophia and Marcus go to the New York Association of School Psychologists (NYASP) annual conference! They are joined by Dr. Peter Faustino, Dr. John Kelly, and Dr. Jack Naglieri to discuss discriminatory assessment practices, theories of intelligence, and what graduate students can do to make the field more equitable. Stay tuned to hear Sophia and Marcus's perspectives on the workshops they attended that were focused on diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice.
In this episode, we seek out the truth behind dyslexia. Our professor Dr. Michelle Storie joins us to provide some answers regarding what dyslexia actually is and to clear up some common misconceptions. We also review some depictions of dyslexia in the media. Stay tuned to hear about privilege and how it impacts nearly every aspect of our lives. Links to videos: 1: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4iVcTPRShBA 2: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9-KPmUWchj8 3: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JhHmUXzmCwE 4: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xxYjKDxYH2U References Bella Thorne Official. (2012, April 3). Bella thorne dyslexia story [Video]. Youtube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4iVcTPRShBA cosbyshow. (2008, February 26). Theo’s gift - s6, ep04 [Video]. Youtube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xxYjKDxYH2U Cowen, C. (2017, September). Is dyslexia a gift? Infographic. International Dyslexia Association. https://dyslexiaida.org/is-dyslexia-a-gift-infographic/ National Association of School Psychologists. (2016). Talking about race and privilege: Lesson plan for middle and high school students [handout]. Bethesda, MD: Author. National Association of School Psychologists. (2016). Understanding race and privilege [handout]. Bethesda, MD: Author. Tracey Boguski. (2012, June 25). Shake it up cece - dyslexia [Video]. Youtube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9-KPmUWchj8 tuxedomaskluver. (2017, February 20). Percy jackson dyslexia scene [Video]. Youtube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JhHmUXzmCwE
Welcome back! In this episode, Sophia and Marcus talk to school psychology grad students Jared Cucinotta and Nathaniel Cronk about what they wish they knew when they were entering graduate school. Find out how Nate gets in touch with his professors, why Jared cried on his birthday, and what advice Marcus really needs to take. Stay tuned to hear about some of the racial disparities in education and the importance of Juneteenth. References Gates, H. L. (n.d.). What is juneteenth? PBS. https://www.pbs.org/wnet/african-americans-many-rivers-to-cross/history/what-is-juneteenth/ Library of Congress. (n.d.). Slavery, united states. https://www.loc.gov/rr/geogmap/placesinhistory/archive/2011/20110318_slavery.html#:~:text=Of%20those%2031%20million%2C%20as,the%201850%20and%201860%20census. National Association of School Psychologists. (n.d.). Racial and ethnic disproportionality in education. https://www.nasponline.org/assets/Documents/Research%20and%20Policy/Position%20Statements/Racial_Ethnic_Disproportionality.pdf National Association of School Psychologists. (n.d.). School psychology unified antiracism statement and call to action. https://www.nasponline.org/resources-and-publications/resources-and-podcasts/diversity-and-social-justice/social-justice/school-psychology-unified-antiracism-statement-and-call-to-action National Center for Education Statistics (2023, May). Racial/ethnic enrollment in public schools. https://nces.ed.gov/programs/coe/indicator/cge/racial-ethnic-enrollment National Geographic. (2021, July 8). Dec 18, 1865 CE: Slavery is abolished. https://education.nationalgeographic.org/resource/slavery-abolished/ National Museum of African American History and Culture. (n.d.). The historical legacy of juneteenth. https://nmaahc.si.edu/explore/stories/historical-legacy-juneteenth Weir, K. (2016, November). Inequality at school. American Psychological Association. https://www.apa.org/monitor/2016/11/cover-inequality-school
Welcome to The Wiscard of Oz: Adventures in School Psychology! In this episode, meet co-hosts Sophia and Marcus as they spill the details about what being in a school psychology master’s program is really like. Stay tuned to hear them talk about their own highs and lows throughout the past year, who they want to see on the podcast in the future, and how excited they are about a wheel!
