Praxis School Psych 5403 study guide
Praxis School Psych 5403 · Work through your exam, one topic at a time.
The Praxis School Psychologist (5403) is a subject-matter assessment published by ETS and used by many states, school districts, and licensure boards as one component of certification or licensure for school psychologists. It is intended for candidates completing a graduate program in school psychology, interns, and practicing psychologists seeking credentialing in a new state. The Praxis School Psych 5403 study guide has 6 sections and about 1,800 words.
01Data-Based Decision Making and Accountability
Data-based decision making is the spine of school psychology practice: every recommendation should trace back to a defensible data set. Know RIOT (Review records, Interview, Observe, Test) as the framework for gathering information across sources and methods; triangulating across RIOT reduces the risk of single-source error.
334 words, about 2 min02Professional Practices That Facilitate Student Success Across Diverse Contexts
This domain asks whether you can practice equitably. Frame each student within ecological systems (Bronfenbrenner: microsystem, mesosystem, exosystem, macrosystem, chronosystem) and within an MTSS that is culturally responsive at every tier.
284 words, about 1 min03Prevention and Intervention to Promote Social-Emotional, Behavioral, and Mental Health
Know the tiered prevention logic. Tier 1: PBIS, SEL curricula (CASEL's five competencies - self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, responsible decision-making), and universal mental health screening.
317 words, about 2 min04Instruction, Curriculum, and Interventions to Promote Cognitive and Academic Skills
This domain covers instruction, curriculum, and academic intervention. Know the instructional hierarchy : acquisition → fluency → generalization → adaptation.
276 words, about 1 min05Family, School, and Community Collaboration
Collaboration with families, schools, and communities. Know family-centered, strengths-based practice; Epstein's six types of involvement (parenting, communicating, volunteering, learning at home, decision-making, collaborating with community); and the distinction between one-way communication and genuine partnership.
294 words, about 1 min06Professional Practice, Ethics, and Legal/Regulatory Issues
Legal and ethical foundations. IDEA guarantees FAPE in the least restrictive environment, child find, evaluation within timelines, IEP team decisions, procedural safeguards, and discipline protections (including the 10-day rule and manifestation determination).
295 words, about 1 min