Hello everyone,

 

There is a great deal going on that will have an impact on the future of the profession and I want to bring you up-to-date on NASP's efforts and resources.

The NASP membership year draws to a close on June 30. If you have not already done so, I invite you to renew your membership at www.nasponline.org. To help in these economic times, NASP is offering you the option to pay your dues in three installments. Visit www.nasponline.org/membership/duesinstallments.aspx to learn more about the program.

The American Psychological Association (APA) released revised wording of their proposed Model Licensure Act (MLA) and initiated a second 90-day public comment period. The wording poses a direct challenge to our profession. I urge you to visit www.nasponline.org/standards/apamla.aspx to learn more and send comments to APA's MLA Task Force opposing the changes.  It is extremely important that you understand what is at stake (our jobs) and that you make the effort to do something about this. 


NASP just released 'NASP Advocacy Roadmap: Preserving and Promoting School Psychological Services,' a set of tools designed to help members and state associations plan grassroots advocacy efforts directed at preserving and promoting school psychology and school psychological services. These tools are available at www.nasponline.org/resources/economic/index.aspx. You will also find a related podcast, 'Effectively Communicating With Administrators and Decision Makers in a Tough Budget Climate and School.' In addition, NASP has a number of resources of interest at www.nasponline.org/educators/economic.aspx to assist you in supporting students and families affected by the economic crisis.

NASP has two new resources to help you respond to this month's anniversaries of the Columbine and Virginia Tech tragedies. The new resources, available at www.nasponline.org/resources/crisis_safety/index.aspx, offer tips on school safety. You may also want to listen to one of NASP's latest podcasts, accessible at www.nasponline.org/resources/podcasts/index.aspx, a conversation with authors of NASP's new book, 'School Crisis Prevention and Intervention: The PREPaRE Model.' 
 
I encourage you to consider attending the NASP 2009 Summer Conferences, 'Advocacy: Creating Capacity for the Provision of Quality Services,' July 13-15, in Washington, DC and 'Culturally Competent Practice,' July 20-23, in Albuquerque, NM. The locations make great summer vacation destinations, so plan to stay a few extra days and enjoy. Visit www.nasponline.org/conventions/summerconf.aspx today for more information and to register at the discounted member rates. Register before June 10 and save even more!

Please don't miss the RISPA free workshop on Consultation for members on April 27th at RIC from 4-6.  Go to rispa.org for more information.


Thank you for joining me as a NASP member. If your address or e-mail address will be changing this spring, please visit www.nasponline.org and update your information at 'View My Account' so we can continue to stay in touch.

Sincerely,

Karen Estes, NCSP, RI Delegate