These past weeks have been difficult for our community. Coming to grips with the tragedy in Newtown as well as the loss of one of our own is challenging. But the school psychology community has come together to support our schools and communities, and I personally want to thank you for counseling, comforting, and educating your community during this national tragedy.
NASP has released statements relating to Newtown. Read the statement on the tragedy at http://www.nasponline.org/communications/press-release/Sandy_Hook_Media_Statement.pdf, the statement ‘Stigmatizing Mental Health or Developmental Disorders is Harmful’ at http://www.nasponline.org/communications/press-release/Diagnosable_Disorder_Statement.pdf, and the call to action for comprehensive school safety policies at http://www.nasponline.org/communications/press-release/School_Safety_Statement.pdf.
In light of the tragedy at Sandy Hook, many districts are reexamining their safety procedures and crisis plans. As you do, take time to review the NASP school safety and crisis resources at http://www.nasponline.org/resources/crisis_safety/index.aspx. You may also want to consider going through PREPaRE training at the convention in February. To learn more about PREPaRE training, visit http://www.nasponline.org/prepare/index.aspx.
Sign up for the free-for-members live webinar ‘Test Item Modifications for English Language Learners: From Research to Practice’ on January 31 at 12:30 p.m. EST at https://nasp.inreachce.com/Details?mediaType=bae80c37-9ab1-49da-b01a-1b5db926a477&groupId=b437422a-b11c-4482-af53-80c4b293995a. This webinar will review the empirical research literature on the effects of test item modifications on the test scores of an English language learner and discuss issues to consider in practice. This webinar is free for members and includes 1 documented NASP-, APA-, and NBCC-approved CPD credit.
The winter Emotional and Behavioral Screening issue of School Psychology Forum is now available at www.nasponline.org/publications/spf/index.aspx?vol=6&issue=3. Articles include ‘Screening for Behavioral and Emotional Risk: Constructs and Practicalities’ and ‘Mental Health Screening and Academic Outcomes in Elementary School.’ If you have questions, comments, ideas for future theme issues, or manuscript submissions, e-mail them to SchoolPsychForum@naspweb.org.
Save the date for the NASP 2013 Summer Conferences. This year they will be held July 8-10 in Cincinnati, OH, and July 22-24 in Albany, NY. Get in-depth training during your summer break. For more information, keep checking back at http://www.nasponline.org/conventions/2013/summer-conferences/index.aspx.
You only have until January 16 to take advantage of early registration savings for the NASP 2013 Annual Convention! Join us in Seattle, February 12-15, for 4 days of intense training, networking, and fun. With more than 1,200 sessions on topics facing the profession, you’ll find solutions to your most difficult professional challenges. Register today at www.nasponline.org/conventions/2013/index.aspx.
Want to affect the future of school psychology? Serve as a mentor at the convention and share your experiences and provide guidance to a school psychology graduate student or early career professional. Through a 1-hour meeting, scheduled at your convenience, you’ll give your mentee a chance to ask real-life questions about professional practice. Sign up at www.nasponline.org/conventions/2013/students/mentoring.aspx.
Please take a moment to update your member profile to enable NASP to provide you with greater member value. Visit www.nasponline.org/membership/memberupdate.aspx to select your e-mail and print subscription preferences and specify your professional interests. With this, NASP can provide you with more targeted information.
I wish you a happy and healthy 2013.
Sincerely,
Charlotte Wieck
NASP State Delegate – IA