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NASP President's Greeting
Rhonda J. Armistead, NASP President 2007-2008
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The Resilient School Psychologist (article from Communiqué)
The National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) is a not for profit
association representing over 23,500 school psychologists from across the
United States and other countries. The mission of NASP is to represent
and support school psychology with leadership to enhance the mental health
and educational competence of all children. Partnering with all who share
our commitment to children and youth is critical to our mission. This
website supports that effort, and is a remarkable resource for members, parents,
educators, and others interested in helping children and their families.
Our Challenge
Education faces the challenges of students not performing up to academic
standards, the impact of mental health issues as the implementation of key
legislation such as No Child Left Behind and Individuals with Disabilities
Education Improvement Act of 2004 is required. School psychologists
are prepared to respond by helping children, educators and parents meet the
mandates of these laws.
School Psychologists Are Responsive
School psychologists respond to and work
with parents, educators, and others to improve outcomes for children and
youth through assessment and consultation. This can be accomplished
in the traditional sense, as well as by monitoring the child’s responsiveness
to effective instructional strategies, positive behavioral supports, and
counseling as the child’s skills develop and improve. School psychologists
are able to respond to students’ needs with strategies pertaining
to prevention, intervention and, when needed, following a crisis. School
psychologists have the skills to respond to systemic needs which have a
positive impact on all children.
Priorities for NASP in the coming year are to: help school psychologists
and other schools implement effective assessment and interventions for learning
and behavior problems established under IDEA 2004; advocate for enhanced
school-based mental health services; improve culturally responsive services
to students from diverse cultures; expand reliance on research-based programs
and trained professionals; increase the number of school psychologists available
to meet the growing demand; and facilitate collaboration between schools,
community service providers and parents.
School Psychologists Can Help to Make a Difference
School psychologists are specifically trained to deal with developmental,
mental health, and academic problems from birth to age 22. NASP is committed
to supporting school psychologists who are trained at a high level and who
provide evidence-based "best practices." School psychologists work
in all settings: public schools (K-12), private schools, preschools, clinics,
hospitals and universities. If you have concerns about your child,
please ask to see your school psychologist for assistance.
About Our Website
This website has several areas that may be of interest. If you are a member
of NASP, you have access to additional educational and professional materials online (simply log in to the site),
special convention rates, the complete School Psychology Review journal
and Communiqué, and discounts on publications. If you are
not a member, there is much on this website for you as well. Helpful
Information allows parents, teachers, and administrators
to find materials on specialized topics, such as bullying, ADHD, and acting
out disorders. NASP's website has been the premier site to visit concerning
crisis and trauma in students. You will find materials for all types of crisis
situations, such as suicide, terrorism, natural disasters, under NASP Crisis
Resources.
NASP has excellent publications and an annual conference that will be in
New Orleans, February 6–9, 2008; information on both can be accessed from
the opening page. NASP has a strong interest in legislation that affects
education and mental health. Under Advocacy
and Public Policy, you can find information on current
federal and state policy issues and NASP's position on these topics. NASP
is committed to promoting Culturally
Competent Practice. You can find valuable information
under this heading on how to work with children and youth from a variety
of cultural frameworks. When you return to the website, always check out the front page to see what's new
at NASP.
I hope our website offers you solid information to better understand the
needs of your child or students. If you are not a member of NASP, please
go to Membership to
evaluate the benefits of joining NASP. Working together, we can make a difference
for children. As NASP President and as a NASP member for many years, I am
proud of this site and the information it contains. We are always looking
for ways to be more responsive to the needs of those who use it. If you have
ideas that will help improve the usefulness of this site, please contact
me.
I wish you well and appreciate your visiting our site.