The University of Wisconsin-Madison is taking steps to address the shortage of school psychologists in the state. Based on recent data from the Wisconsin School Psychologists Association, 60 to 70 school psychologist positions remain unfilled each year. To tackle this issue, the Department of Educational Psychology at the university has received a $10.4 million federal contract from the U.S. Department of Education. Over the span of four years, they will be implementing the Mental Health Evaluation, Training, Research, and Innovation Center for Schools (METRICS) program.
Collaborating with researchers and trainers from the University of South Florida, the University of Iowa, and the University of California Santa Barbara, this initiative aims to expand and enhance the workforce of school psychologists, school social workers, and school counselors. This comes at a crucial time, as children and youth are facing increasing challenges with anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation.
Additionally, research shows that approximately 20% of school psychologists plan on leaving the field in the next five years due to administrative pressures, while another 20% plan to retire.