ISPA Governmental Advocacy Alert - Join ISPA in Public Comment on Short Term Approvals of School Psychologists by December 28thDear Colleagues, As you prepare to step away from work for the holidays, we hope you are healthy and find time to rest and rejuvenate. Over the past few weeks ISPA leadership and Governmental Affairs Chairs have been working with colleagues from DUSPP (Directors of University School Psychology Programs) as well as from the Illinois School Counselors Association (ISCA) to advocate for appropriate revisions to ISBE's proposed rules for short term approvals for School Psychology practitioners. As a professional association, ISPA utilizes our paid lobbyist and collective advocacy efforts to influence effective legislation and regulations to address shortages in our field while upholding rigorous standards for the training and preparation of our future colleagues. With support from NASP leadership, ISPA has and will continue to advocate for all school psychology practitioners, students, and faculty by supporting, creating, and refining legislation and professional regulations that allow for the approval of high quality professionals in our field. The students and families in Illinois deserve no less. Please take some time over the next few days to review the attached letter and consider making your own comments on the proposed rules for short term approvals of school psychologists. Please feel free to use the text from the attached letter as needed to support your own public comments. Special thanks goes to the ISPA, DUSPP, ISCA, and NASP colleagues who collaborated to craft the comments included in the letter. Public comments must be entered no later than December 28th, 2020 and can be submitted to the attention of the ISBE Agency Rules Coordinator via email to [email protected]. Sincerely, Michael Grenda, ISPA President Sharon Gwaltney, ISPA President-Elect Mary Satchwell, ISPA Immediate Past President Carrie Emrikson, Don Sibley, Brenda Huber, ISPA Governmental Affairs Co-Chairs |