Faculty Directory

Jose Castillo, Ph.D.

Castillo is a professor of school psychology at the University of South Florida. He also co-directs the Institute for School-Community Partnerships, Integrated Services, and Child Mental Health and Educational Policy, a research and technical assistance center focused on improving educational and related services for children, youth, families and communities.
 
Castillo’s program of research aims to provide an empirical foundation for the implementation and evaluation of a multi-tiered system of supports (MTSS), an educational service delivery model that includes multiple tiers (levels) of instruction and intervention based on data from students. Widespread adoption of MTSS and calls for school psychologists to deliver prevention and early intervention services within an MTSS require major systemic changes in schools to enhance the availability and effectiveness of services for all students. Thus, my research program is centered around two themes: (a) evaluation of MTSS implementation from a systems and equity lens and (b) professional and practice issues in school psychology. His line of research has resulted in over 50 peer reviewed journal articles, book chapters and technical reports.

In Castillo’s role as co-director of the Institute for School-Community Partnerships, Integrated Services and Child Mental Health and Educational Policy, he has secured over $150 million in external grants and contracts. The Institute’s current annual budget exceeds $25 million. The mission of the Institute is to partner with families, communities and schools to: 

• Advance innovative participatory research, services and program evaluation
• Provide training and technical assistance
• Develop research- and evidence-based documents, tools, and resources
• Support implementation and evaluation of federal and state educational policy and evidence-based practices