Courtenay Barrett

Courtenay Barrett is an Associate Professor in the Department of Counseling, Educational Psychology and Special Education at Michigan State University (MSU), where she also serves as a licensed psychologist in Michigan and a Nationally Certified School Psychologist. She holds a Ph.D. from the University of Maryland. Her research focuses on multi-tiered systems of support (MTSS), data-driven decision-making, and contextual factors influencing school psychology service delivery. Her work emphasizes bridging research and practice, particularly in evaluating the cost-effectiveness of evidence-based interventions and advancing methodological rigor in consultation studies.

Barrett’s educational background includes a doctoral degree from the University of Maryland, complemented by practical experience as a school practitioner. Her awards include the 2016 Early Career Research Award (ECRA) and 2019 Early Career Scholar designation from the Society for the Study of School Psychology (SSSP). She collaborates closely with local school districts to address real-world challenges in special education and intervention fidelity.

Her research highlights include studies on:

• Cost analysis of educational programs and interventions
• Racial dynamics in school-based consultation
• SLD identification methodologies
• Consultation communication skills training

Barrett’s recent projects emphasize equity in education, including analyzing barriers to research dissemination in schools and advocating for social justice in literacy instruction. Her work frequently intersects with policy, aiming to inform scalable, cost-effective solutions for schools.

Awards:

• Early Career Research Award (ECRA) - SSSP (2016)
• Early Career Scholar - SSSP (2019)

Her advising and grants focus on collaborative projects with schools. She advocates for rigorous yet practical approaches to educational evaluation, ensuring research translates into actionable strategies for practitioners.