Guidelines for Preparing Psychological Specialists: An Entry-Level Course on Intellectual Assessment

This article provides guidelines for an entry-level course that prepares psychology students and practitioners to acquire entry-level skills, abilities, knowledge, and attitudes important to the individual assessment of intellectual abilities of children and youth. The article reviews prominent international, regional, and national policies, guidelines, and standards for test development and use, basic training issues, acquisition of competence in core professional behaviors, the identification of clinical assessment skills; scholarship that supports this entry-level course, and national and institutional issues related to psychological assessment. The guidelines are consistent with the International School Psychology Association and the International Testing Commission's recommendations and provide experiences based on U.S. context. The need to adjust course content and instructional methods in light of local conditions is recognized.