Becoming an educational diagnostician in Texas requires proper education, training, and licensure. Educational diagnosticians in Texas work with students who have learning disabilities, emotional disturbances, and other issues that impact their education. They evaluate students, make diagnoses, and recommend instructional programs to meet student needs. What you need to know about starting a career as an educational diagnostician in Texas.

Educational Requirements

To become an educational diagnostician in Texas, you must earn at least a master’s degree. Many educational diagnosticians have doctoral degrees as well. Your graduate program should be in educational psychology, school psychology, or educational diagnostics. Programs include coursework in areas like:

• Intellectual assessment

• Achievement assessment

• Learning theory

• Personality assessment

• Psychopathology

• Educational statistics

• Research methods

• Behavior management

• Counseling theories

During your master’s or doctoral program, you’ll also complete a practicum or internship in a school setting under the supervision of a licensed educational diagnostician in Texas. This hands-on experience allows you to put your coursework into practice assessing students, making diagnoses, and recommending interventions.

Licensure in Texas

In addition to an advanced degree, you’ll need to get licensed in Texas to work as an educational diagnostician. The Texas State Board for Educator Certification issues the Educational Diagnostician in Texas certification. To qualify, you must:

• Hold a master’s degree or higher

• Complete an accredited educator preparation program

• Have two years of classroom teaching experience

• Pass the required certification exams

The required exams are the Educational Diagnostician TExES (#153) and the Professional School Counselor TExES (#152). These tests cover your knowledge of assessment, evaluation, special education law, and more.

Continuing Education

Texas requires educational diagnosticians to renew their certification every five years once they are licensed. To renew, you must complete 200 continuing professional education (CPE) credits. At least 80 of these must be directly related to your assignment as an educational diagnostician. Renewal demonstrates your ongoing commitment to stay current in the field.

Finding a Job

There is a strong demand for licensed educational diagnosticians in Texas. The best resources for finding open positions include:

• School district websites – Most educational diagnostician jobs are with public school districts. Check their employment pages for openings.

• Texas Education Agency job board – The state Department of Education posts jobs online.

• Texas Diagnosticians Association – This professional group offers a job board on its website.

• Professional associations – Networking through groups like the Texas Psychological Association can lead to job opportunities.

When applying, highlight your specialized training in assessment and evaluation. School districts want diagnosticians who can accurately evaluate students, recommend interventions, and contribute to special education teams. Maintaining your licensure shows your dedication to the field.

Responsibilities as an Educational Diagnostician

Once hired as an educational diagnostician in a Texas school district, your day-to-day duties will include:

• Evaluating students referred for special education services

• Administering assessments and interpreting results

• Making diagnoses of learning disorders or disabilities

• Determining if students qualify for special education based on state criteria

• Providing written reports of evaluation findings

• Recommending evidence-based instructional programs and interventions

• Collaborating with teachers, parents, school administrators, and other professionals to support students

• Ensuring compliance with policies, regulations, and the law

• Maintaining student records and managing caseloads

• Continuing professional development

Educational diagnosticians play a critical role in identifying students with special needs and connecting them with appropriate educational services and supports. It’s a rewarding career path for those interested in education, psychology, assessment, and helping students overcome learning challenges.

FAQ’S

Q. How do you become an educational diagnostician in Texas?

A. It would help if you had at least a master’s degree to become a licensed educational diagnostician in Texas. Relevant graduate programs include educational psychology, school psychology, educational diagnostics, or a related field.

Q. What certification exams are required?

A. Texas requires the Educational Diagnostician TExES exam (#153) and the Professional School Counselor TExES exam (#152). You must pass both to receive your certification.

Q. Does becoming an educational diagnostician take a long time?

A. Including graduate education and licensing requirements, it typically takes 6-7 years to start a career as an educational diagnostician. Those with doctoral degrees may need 8+ years of higher education.

Q. What does an educational diagnostician in Texas do daily?

A. Essential daily tasks include:

• Assessing students.

• Diagnosing learning disabilities.

• Determining eligibility for special education.

• Developing intervention plans.

• Collaborating with school teams.

• Maintaining records.

• Continuing professional development.

Q. What skills are essential for educational diagnosticians?

A. Essential skills include expertise in assessment, knowledge of education law, communication, collaboration, organization, attention to detail, data analysis, writing reports, and staying current in the field.

Q. How much do educational diagnosticians earn?

A. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary for educational diagnosticians in Texas is around $70,000. Those with more experience and advanced degrees can earn over $90,000 per year.

Conclusion

Becoming an educational diagnostician in Texas is a multi-step process that includes earning a graduate degree, getting certified, passing exams, and finding a school job. It’s a specialized career path for those passionate about helping students overcome disabilities and other issues that impact learning.

With diagnostic solid, evaluation, and collaboration skills, educational diagnosticians in Texas support student success. They determine eligibility for special education services and recommend effective interventions for students. It’s a rewarding long-term career choice for those interested in education, psychology, and student well-being.

Read also: Who is an Educational Diagnostician