Justin Allen

Dr. Justin Allen is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Educational Psychology at Texas A&M University’s College of Education and Human Development. He joined the faculty in 2023 after a career as a practicing school psychologist and academic researcher. His research focuses on special education decision-making, particularly manifestation determination reviews (MDRs) and functional behavioral assessments (FBAs). He has published widely in peer-reviewed journals and presents at national/international conferences like APA and NASP. Dr. Allen teaches courses in academic assessment, consultation techniques, and intervention strategies.

Education: PhD in Educational Psychology (University of Kansas, 2016), MA in Psychology (Washburn, 2008), BA in Psychology (Kansas State University, 2003).

Research emphasizes legal compliance in special education, equity in school discipline practices, and evidence-based interventions. Notable projects include analyzing federal MDR litigation trends and improving FBA quality through national district partnerships. He advocates for bridging research-to-practice gaps through meta-analyses and systematic reviews.

• Award: Meta-Analysis Training Institute Fellowship (IES, 2023)
• Editorial Roles: Editorial Fellow for School Psychology Review

Labs/Teams: Active member of Texas A&M’s school psychology research group, collaborating with national educational organizations. Current projects address school safety in charter schools and LGBTQ+ adolescent mental health. His work integrates legal, clinical, and educational perspectives to improve outcomes for students with disabilities.