ISPA Web Site

Update on the outcome regarding the school psychologist exemption in MLA

Mon, 22 Feb 2010 19:40:00 -0100

The message below was sent at approximately 5:00 pm EST on Saturday, February 20, 2010 to NASP members. Because of your âNASP Leaderâ status, early news of the APA vote was sent to you from President Patti Harrison at 3:25 pm EST. For your records, the member notification is below.

The NASP staff and I echo Pattiâs words of appreciation, âOf course we could not have achieved this outcome without you. Thank you for your leadership and your role in enabling NASP to so effectively represent school psychology.â
Susan Gorin, Executive Director
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Dear NASP Member:

This message is to update you on the outcome regarding the school psychologist exemption in APAâs newly adopted Model Act for State Licensure of Psychologists (MLA). We are very pleased to report that, earlier today (February 20, 2010), the APA Council of Representatives voted to retain the right of both specialist and doctoral level school psychologists credentialed by state education agencies to use the title âschool psychologist.â

Please see the email below from Bonnie Nastasi, President of Division 16.

We appreciate the APA Councilâs serious attention to this issue and the efforts of Division 16, and look forward to a shared commitment to ensure appropriate mental health services for children and families.

Of course we could not have achieved this outcome without YOU. Thank you for your leadership and your role in enabling NASP to so effectively represent school psychologists.

We will send an email blast to notify all NASP members tonight or tomorrow.

See you in Chicago for the NASP Convention!

Patti

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From: Bonnie Nastasi [mailto:bonnastasi@yahoo.com]
Sent: Saturday, February 20, 2010 1:51 PM
To: Harrison, Patti
Subject: Letter from President Division 16
Colleagues,
The Division of School Psychology was able to successfully negotiate the following language, passed by the APAâs Council of Representatives (CoR) today 2/20/2010. This language acknowledges that State Education Agencies credential and title practitioners who work in the schools (that may or may not hold a doctoral degree) and acknowledges that State Boards of Psychology credentials practitioners for independent practice (where a doctoral degree is required).
Nothing in this act shall be construed to prevent (cite relevant state education authority or statutory provisions) from credentialing individuals to provide school psychological services in those settings that are under the purview of the state education agency. Such individuals shall be restricted in their practice and the use of the title so conferred, which must include the word "school", to employment within those settings.
This provision is not intended to restrict the activities of licensed psychologists.
We are proud of the leadership of our CoR representatives, Cindy Carlson, Frank Worrell, Beth Doll and MLA Task Force Liaisons, Deborah Tharinger, Randy Kamphaus and Tammy Hughes, as well as the support from Steve DeMers from ASPPB on behalf of the school psychology community.
Sincerely,
Bonnie K. Nastasi, PhD
President, Division 16, APA
Associate Professor
Department of Psychology
2007 Percival Stern Hall
Tulane University
New Orleans, LA 70118
bnastasi@tulane.edu
bonnastasi@yahoo.com

Kofi Shuck

Fri, 12 Feb 2010 21:00:00 -0100

Kofi is currently completing his school psychology practicum experience at four of Chicago Public Schools. Kofi is described by his professors as being extremely warm, friendly, humorous, and personable and clearly shines in social settings. He participates on multiple research teams and is working with one of his professors to develop a presentation for the upcoming NASP Convention. He also participates on the NASP Convention Committee as the local student co-chair. He has recently written an article for the NASP Communique, and serves as a group/individual counselor for at-risk adolescent boys.

Gabriela Garibay

Fri, 12 Feb 2010 20:50:00 -0100

Gabriela is currently completing her school psychology internship in the Joliet Public Schools, District 86. She is described by her professors as possessing a diverse set of experiences and skill sets. In addition to being knowledgeable and experienced in the use of current school psychological best practices and their application in school settings, Ms. Garibay has used her experiences and knowledge of minority issues to best serve students and families from diverse backgrounds. She has participated in several organizations to assist Latino and Minority students.

Rena Jimenez

Fri, 12 Feb 2010 20:50:00 -0100

Rena is currently completing her school psychology practicum experience at Morton East High School. Rena is described by her professor as clearly exemplifying what we all hope school psychologists strive to demonstrate. She is an excellent student, always prepared, on time with assignments, and willing to share her opinions and concerns. She expresses true dedication to bilingual/bicultural issues by action. She has been a member of ISPAâs Bilingual/Bicultural Committee and was a major contributor to the Spanish brochure currently posted on ISPAâs website.

Genevieve A. Lukes

Fri, 12 Feb 2010 20:50:00 -0100

Genevieve currently is a second year graduate student in the Ed.S. Program and an ELS Teacher Assistant at Park Ridge Elementary School, Glenview, Illinois. Under the supervision of an ESL teacher, she instructs a group of 3rd â5th grade students with moderate to severe physical and cognitive disabilities. Her professors describe her as demonstrating excellent interpersonal skills and the flexibility to adapt to the needs of each situation. Genevieve is interested in advocating for the needs of all children in a knowledgeable, professional manner.

Gabriella J. de Rubira

Fri, 12 Feb 2010 20:50:00 -0100

Gabriella is currently completing her school psychology practicum experience at Hibbard Elementary School, Chicago, Illinois. Gabriella is highly motivated to engage in culturally competent practice that is inclusive of all students. Her professors describe her as appearing, âsomewhat quiet and soft-spoken.â Not only is Gabriella developing her skills as a school psychologist, she is also actively involved in contributing to the profession through her involvement in a research committee at the university as well as being a board member of the schoolâs association (LASP).

Presidential Awards

Fri, 12 Feb 2010 16:20:00 -0100

As ISPA President, I would also like to thank two individuals who have worked hard on behalf of ISPA and the children of Illinois for many years. They have also provided me personally with invaluable support during my term as President. Please join me in thanking both Shirley Pitts and Ross Pesce.

I can talk all day about Ross and Shirley, and my personal admiration for both of them. But I will keep my remarks brief.

The person I talk to more than anyone else, usually several times each day, is Shirley Pitts. While much of our talk revolves around ISPA and NASP details, Shirley is also a friend who can be counted on to keep her word. Regardless of what I ask her to do, Shirley smiles and says, âSure. For you, I will do it!â

Ross has served as a quiet yet powerful support to me this year. His counsel to me is invaluable, and his passion to make ISPA a better organization is unmatched. In addition to serving as my personal driver, Ross has taught me that you canât fix everything with a hammer.

Shirley and Rossâ¦.I am pleased to call you colleagues. I am pleased to call you mentors. More than that, I am proud to call you friends. Thank you!

Presented by Anthony Adamowski, ISPA President

Kathy Loomos

Fri, 12 Feb 2010 16:10:00 -0100

Dr. Kathy Loomos currently serves as ISPA Regional Director in region 11 (Chicago). She assumied that role less than two years ago, Kathy has been a model for other RDâs to follow. For example, she sends monthly e-mails to members highlighting ISPA news and actively promotes ISPA to the members of the Chicago Association of School Psychologists. Kathy has also organized outreach events at the school psychology training programs in Chicago that have given students and ISPA leaders the opportunity to meet informally to share ideas. Kathyâs usual response to undertaking such tasks is: âItâs really no big deal.â Please join me in thanking Kathy for her hard work!

Presented by Anthony Adamowski, ISPA President

Breeda McGrath

Fri, 12 Feb 2010 16:10:00 -0100

Dr. Breeda McGrath has served as our Chair of Publications and editor of School Psychology in Illinois for several years. She invests countless hours and is the driving force behind our top-notch newsletter. She does so with humor, and she does so with passion. Please join me in thanking Dr. McGrath for all of her hard work!

Presented by Anthony Adamowski, ISPA President

Spirit Award 2010

Fri, 12 Feb 2010 15:50:00 -0100

Several months ago, one group of school psychologists made a suggestion that ISPA look into ways to partner with local associations to offer NASP-approved and ISBE endorsed CPD credits at local meetings. NISPA, the Northern Illinois School Psychologists Association, and ISPA Region 2 did the bulk of the legwork to make this suggestion a reality. In addition, the school psychologists in this particular part of the state know how to have fun and enjoy each otherâs company. I had the pleasure of spending a Friday afternoon with them in December and I am pleased to present the first-ever ISPA Spirit Award to NISPA/Region 2.

Presented by Anthony Adamowski, ISPA President