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The Residential Skills Development Institute (RSDI) for Psy.S. School Psychology trainees is a mandatory program component designed to provide trainees with a wide range of opportunities for skill development, mentoring, and professional growth. This institute aims to enhance the trainees' competencies and prepare them for successful careers in the field.

The Residential Skills Development Institute for school psychology trainees is an annual program event held during the first three years of training, prior to the start of the internship phase. This institute is conducted on the campus of Nova Southeastern University (NSU), providing a focused and immersive learning environment for trainees.

The institute spans three days, allowing for a concentrated and comprehensive experience. The duration ensures that trainees have ample time to engage in various activities, workshops, and mentoring sessions, while also accommodating their ongoing coursework and other commitments.

Skill Development: The institute focuses on refining various skills essential for school psychologists. Trainees will engage in hands-on activities, workshops, and simulations to develop assessment and intervention techniques, counseling skills, behavior management strategies, and data analysis abilities. They will have opportunities to refine their skills under the guidance of advanced students and/or faculty.

Peer Mentoring: Collaboration and peer support are crucial aspects of the program. Trainees will be grouped with fellow participants to engage in peer mentoring activities. Through group discussions and collaborative projects, trainees will learn from one another's experiences, share insights, and provide support. This peer mentoring approach fosters a sense of community and encourages the exchange of ideas and best practices.

Faculty-Student Mentoring Opportunities: To ensure personalized guidance, faculty members will be assigned as mentors to individual trainees. These mentors will provide ongoing support, advice, and guidance throughout the program. The faculty will assist trainees in setting goals, developing individualized learning plans, and tracking their progress. Regular one-on-one meetings and feedback sessions will help trainees maximize their potential and address any challenges they may encounter. The institute will allow for in-person meeting with faculty mentors for more personalized guidance.

Professional Development Opportunities: The program emphasizes the importance of continuous professional growth. As part of the Residential Skills Development Institute, trainees will have access to a range of professional development opportunities, such as attending guest lectures, participating in workshops on emerging research and practices, and accessing resources for self-directed learning. These experiences will broaden trainees' knowledge base, expose them to current trends and advancements, and prepare them to meet the evolving demands of the field.

Student Annual Review and Progress Monitoring: The institute will include ongoing evaluation and progress monitoring of each trainee. Trainees will undergo an annual review to assess their skills, knowledge, and professional growth. This review process includes input from mentors, faculty members, and peers. Based on the review outcomes, individualized feedback will be provided to help trainees identify strengths, and areas for improvement.

Overall, the Residential Skills Development Institute for School Psychology Trainees offers a comprehensive and immersive learning experience. Through skill development, peer mentoring, faculty-student mentoring opportunities, professional development initiatives, and regular progress monitoring, trainees will be equipped with the necessary skills, knowledge, and support to thrive in their future careers as school psychologists.