Praxis 5282 study plan
Praxis 5282 · Give each week a clear focus.
8 weeks · About 6 hours per week
Assessment and Data-Based Decision Making
List and describe the major types of assessment tools used in school psychology (e.g., norm-referenced, criterion-referenced, curriculum-based measurement, behavioral rating scales).
Explain the statistical concepts of reliability, validity, and norm-referenced interpretation, and compute basic descriptive statistics (mean, standard deviation, standard scores) from sample data.
Interpret a sample psychoeducational report, identifying the referral question, assessment methods, scores, and recommendations.
Apply the problem-solving model (problem identification, problem analysis, intervention, progress monitoring) to a hypothetical case.
Your checkpoint
Create a one-page summary sheet of key assessment concepts and a flowchart of the problem-solving model, then write a brief interpretation of a provided sample report (200 words).
Assessment and Data-Based Decision Making & Interventions and Instructional Support
Compare and contrast different types of curriculum-based measures (e.g., CBM-R, CBM-M) and describe how to use them for progress monitoring.
Design a data collection plan for a student exhibiting academic or behavioral difficulties, including baseline and goal setting.
Evaluate the effectiveness of an intervention using visual analysis of graphed progress monitoring data (e.g., trend, level, variability).
Explain the criteria for identifying specific learning disabilities using response to intervention (RTI) and patterns of strengths and weaknesses (PSW).
Your checkpoint
Develop a mock progress monitoring graph with at least 10 data points and a written analysis (300 words) determining whether the intervention is effective and what adjustments are needed.
Interventions and Instructional Support
Describe the key components of evidence-based academic interventions for reading, math, and writing (e.g., explicit instruction, repeated practice, feedback).
Design a behavior intervention plan (BIP) for a student with challenging behavior, incorporating functional behavioral assessment (FBA) data.
Explain how to select and implement Tier 1, Tier 2, and Tier 3 interventions within a multi-tiered systems of support (MTSS) framework.
Identify strategies for promoting generalization and maintenance of learned skills.
Your checkpoint
Write a complete BIP for a hypothetical student, including target behavior, replacement behavior, intervention strategies, and a progress monitoring plan (500 words).
Biological, Cognitive, Social, and Emotional Bases of Behavior
Explain the biological bases of behavior, including the structure and function of major brain regions and neurotransmitter systems.
Describe typical and atypical development in cognitive, social, emotional, and language domains from early childhood through adolescence.
Identify the characteristics of common childhood disorders (e.g., ADHD, autism spectrum disorder, anxiety, depression) and their impact on learning and behavior.
Apply theories of learning (behavioral, cognitive, social-cognitive) to explain classroom behavior and design instructional strategies.
Your checkpoint
Create a concept map linking biological, cognitive, social, and emotional factors to a specific childhood disorder, and write a 300-word explanation of how these factors influence educational performance.
Biological, Cognitive, Social, and Emotional Bases of Behavior & Prevention, Mental Health, and Crisis Response
Describe the principles of crisis prevention, intervention, and postvention in schools, including threat assessment and suicide risk assessment procedures.
Identify evidence-based strategies for promoting mental health and social-emotional learning (SEL) in schools.
Explain the role of the school psychologist in supporting students with chronic illness, trauma, or adverse childhood experiences (ACEs).
Develop a safety plan for a student at risk of self-harm, following ethical and legal guidelines.
Your checkpoint
Draft a crisis response protocol for a school setting, outlining steps for prevention, intervention, and postvention, and include a sample safety plan template (400 words).
Foundations of School Psychology and Professional Practice & Human Development and Learning
Summarize the history and foundations of school psychology, including major legislation (e.g., IDEA, Section 504, ESSA) and ethical standards (NASP Principles).
Explain the typical developmental milestones and learning trajectories in language, literacy, and mathematics, and how to differentiate instruction accordingly.
Describe the role of the school psychologist in special education eligibility determination and IEP development.
Apply ethical decision-making models to resolve common dilemmas in school psychology practice (e.g., confidentiality, informed consent, dual relationships).
Your checkpoint
Write a 500-word essay analyzing an ethical dilemma (e.g., a parent requests confidential information about another student) and propose a resolution using a step-by-step ethical decision-making model.
Consultation, Collaboration, and Family-School Partnerships & Diversity, Equity, and Legal/Ethical Considerations
Explain key models of consultation (e.g., behavioral, mental health, instructional) and their application in school settings.
Describe strategies for building effective family-school partnerships, including culturally responsive communication and collaboration.
Identify legal and ethical considerations related to diversity, equity, and inclusion, including bias in assessment and disproportionality in special education.
Demonstrate culturally responsive practices in assessment, intervention, and consultation.
Your checkpoint
Create a family engagement plan for a diverse school community, including specific strategies for overcoming barriers to involvement and a plan for addressing cultural differences in communication (400 words).
Foundations of School Psychology and Professional Practice & Human Development and Learning & Biological, Cognitive, Social, and Emotional Bases of Behavior & Assessment and Data-Based Decision Making & Interventions and Instructional Support & Prevention, Mental Health, and Crisis Response & Consultation, Collaboration, and Family-School Partnerships & Diversity, Equity, and Legal/Ethical Considerations
Synthesize knowledge across all domains by completing a full-length practice test under timed conditions.
Review incorrect answers and identify areas of weakness for targeted review.
Revisit key concepts, theories, and ethical/legal guidelines using flashcards or summary notes.
Develop a test-day strategy plan, including time management and stress reduction techniques.
Your checkpoint
Complete a practice test, score it, and write a reflection (300 words) identifying three strengths, three areas for improvement, and a study plan for any remaining gaps.
Milestones
Week 2: Score at least 80% on a quiz covering assessment and data-based decision making, including interpreting graphs and identifying types of assessments.
Week 4: Successfully design a behavior intervention plan and explain the biological and developmental factors of a chosen disorder, as evaluated by a peer or self-check against a rubric.
Week 6: Pass a comprehensive quiz on foundations, human development, and ethics with a score of 85% or higher, and receive feedback on the ethical dilemma essay.
Week 8: Achieve a score of at least 80% on a full-length practice test and complete a reflection identifying remaining areas for review.