2010 Convention - Special Sessions
Tuesday, March 2
9:00 a.m.–9:50 a.m.
SPECIAL SESSION 11
Update on the Revision to the NASP Standards
Presenters: Barbara Bole Williams, PhD, NCSP, Rowan University, Glassboro, NJ; Patti Harrison, PhD, NCSP, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa; Rhonda Armistead, NCSP, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools, NC; Leigh Armistead, EdD, NCSP, Winthrop University, Rock Hill, SC; and Diane Smallwood, PsyD, NCSP, Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, PA
This session will provide attendees with an update on the proposed 2010 NASP Standards including Graduate Preparation, Credentialing and Ethical Standards, and Model for Comprehensive and Integrated School Psychological Services.
1:00 p.m.–2:20 p.m.
SPECIAL SESSION 19
H1N1 Flu: Issues for School Psychologists
This session will evolve as the school year progresses, to see whether or how the H1N1 flu has created any barriers to learning. Join a discussion that will share schools’ and universities’ activities to minimize the negative effects of the flu. This session is sponsored by the Convention Committee.
2:00 p.m.–6:00 p.m.
SPECIAL SESSION 06
Red Cross Training: Foundations of Disaster Mental Health
NASP thanks the American Red Cross of Greater Chicago for their sponsorship of this session
Presenter: Rebecca Streifler, LCSW, American Red Cross, Chicago, IL
This tailored version of the American Red Cross Foundations of Disaster Mental Health training course is one of the prerequisites required to become certified as a volunteer in the Disaster Mental Health Network for the Red Cross. The session offers the training and theoretical and practical information necessary for providing American Red Cross crisis intervention services to shelter residents, staff and others involved in disasters. Learn how to work within Red Cross protocol to assist people in emergencies. This session is sponsored by the Convention Committee.
Please note: Registration for this session is full. To be placed on the waiting list, please e-mail Gina Carlton. To inquire about availability, stop by one of the Assisted Registration counters in the NASP Registration Area, located in the Grand Ballroom Foyer on the Gold Level in the East Tower of the Hyatt Regency Chicago
2:30 p.m.–3:50 p.m.
SPECIAL SESSION 32
Methodological and Statistical Errors in Manuscripts Submitted for Publication and How to Avoid Them [CPD]
NASP thanks the Society for the Study of School Psychology (SSSP) for co-sponsoring this session.
Presenters: Randy G. Floyd, PhD, University of Memphis, TN
The process of peer review ensures that research studies have been subjected to rigorous evaluation before being disseminated to the public. The most successful authors ensure that their studies' design characteristics and analyses are sound and do not lead to incorrect conclusions. This presentation will provide an overview of editors' expectations for professional publication, a list of methodological and statistical errors seen in manuscripts that prevent their publication, and recommendations and resources that should allow authors to avoid such errors.
4:00 p.m.–5:20 p.m.
SPECIAL SESSION 29
National Public Policy Initiatives Supporting School Psychologists
NASP is actively involved in public policy initiatives that seek to advance school psychology in policy and in practice. This session will provide an update of legislative and program initiatives, and current professional collaborations. Participants will examine how these national efforts can be implemented at the state and local level
Wednesday, March 3
8:30 a.m.–9:50 a.m.
SPECIAL SESSION 01
National Standards Project: Understanding Research Findings in the Treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorders
Presenters: Susan Wilczynski, PhD, BCBA, National Autism Center, Randolph, MA
The National Standards Project is the most comprehensive review of Autism treatment research ever published. This presentation identifies interventions with varying levels of research support and the treatment targets, age, and diagnostic groups for which favorable outcomes have been reported. The findings can help inform evidence-based practice for Autism. This session is sponsored by the Convention Committee.
9:00 a.m.–10:20 a.m.
SPECIAL SESSION 26
Scholarship: Addressing the Needs of Diverse Student Populations [D]
Presenters: 2009 recipient Tamika LaSalle, Atlanta, GA; 2006 recipient Robert Wingfield, Gainesville, FL; 2007 recipient Stefanie Foster, Long Island, NY
A 15th Anniversary Symposium where NASP Minority Scholarship Scholars present their research focusing on access to appropriate education for students of color and those with disabilities.
2:30 p.m.–3:50 p.m.
SPECIAL SESSION 09
Supporting the Children of Our Military: Sharing the Same Sky
Presenters: Deborah Johnson, Children’s Institute, Rochester, NY
This session will address the unique needs of our children who have parents and/or caregivers who serve in our armed forces. We will look at how their lives may be different, particularly during the various stages of deployment, and how you as a school psychologist can support them. This session is sponsored by the Convention Committee.
2:30 p.m.–3:50 p.m.
SPECIAL SESSION 22
Grassroots Advocacy to Promote Your School Psychological Agenda
School psychologists have a responsibility to advocate for school psychological services within the local areas and state. However, getting organized and knowing where to start is the most difficult part of the process. Participants of this session will learn the basics of advocacy, developing an agenda, building capacity for advocating, and engaging in advocacy.
2:30 p.m.–3:50 p.m.
SPECIAL SESSION 24
Diversity Dialogue: Spotlight on School Psychology Innovators [D]
A panel of graduate students and early career practitioners from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds will discuss their exemplary projects, activities, and research related to diversity themes during this session. Networking opportunities, audience discussion, and information on becoming active NASP members and leaders will be provided. This session is co-sponsored by the Multicultural Affairs Committee and Early Career Practitioners Workgroup.
3:00 p.m.–4:20 p.m.
SPECIAL SESSION 07
Using Your Degree for Diplomacy: Putting Advocacy Into Action
Graduate students and early career professionals play an important role in advocating for school psychology at the local, state, and national levels. Staying involved in current legislative action is one way to help shape the future of the profession and directly influence one’s professional role, as well as improve services to best meet the mental health needs of all children and youth. This presentation will provide information regarding critical policy issues and concrete examples of how students and early career professionals can put advocacy efforts into action. This session is sponsored by the Student Development Workgroup.
3:30 p.m.–4:50 p.m.
SPECIAL SESSION 33
Promoting and Preserving School Psychology [CPD]
NASP thanks the National School Psychology Certification System (NCSP) for co-sponsoring this session.
Presenter: Rhonda J. Armistead, NCSP, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools, NC
Budget cuts, accountability standards, RTI, and numerous other factors are having impacts on schools. It is critical that school psychologists promote and preserve their roles as essential and valued school personnel who provide needed, effective services for children’s learning and mental health. During this session, participants will learn about resources and strategies to advocate for school psychological services at local and state levels and participate in activities to proactively define our roles and protect the strength of our field.
4:00 p.m.–5:20 p.m.
SPECIAL SESSION 16
Cross-Cultural and Cross-National Considerations in Crisis Intervention [D]
Presenters: Chryse Hatzichristou, PhD, University of Athens, Greece; Melissa Reeves, PhD, NCSP, Winthrop University, Rock Hill, SC; Stephen Brock, PhD, NCSP, California State University, Sacramento; and Shane Jimerson, PhD, NCSP, University of California, Santa Barbara
This session addresses how NASP’s crisis prevention/intervention efforts (e.g., the PREPaRE curriculum) can be applied/modified to address crisis prevention/intervention in different countries. Topics addressed included cross-cultural perceptions of crises and attitudes toward crisis preparedness/response. Examples of cross-national collaboration are offered, with special attention given to NASP’s role in the development of a Greek school crisis response model. This session is sponsored by the Convention Committee.
Thursday, March 4
8:00 a.m.–9:20 a.m.
SPECIAL SESSION 10
NCSP Help Session: Preparing for the Praxis Exam in School Psychology
Presenters: Barbara Bole Williams, PhD, NCSP, Rowan University, Glassboro, NJ; Rosemary Mennuti, EdD, NCSP, Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, Philadelphia, PA
This session will present strategies to assist participants in preparing for the School Psychology Praxis Exam. The presentation will include methods, materials, and strategies recommended for exam preparation.
8:00 a.m.–9:20 a.m.
SPECIAL SESSION 31
Homophobia and Bullying: An Update and Call to Advocacy [D]
Presenters: Dorothy Espelage, PhD, University of Illinois Champaign; Susan Swearer, PhD, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Homophobic bullying is garnering more attention within the field and media. School psychologists have a role in understanding homophobic bullying and working to improve the lives of the youth and family involved. This session will deepen your understanding of the issues and teach advocacy skills.
8:30 a.m.–9:50 a.m.
SPECIAL SESSION 14
Conquering the Conundrum: We Can Choose to Achieve Better Results for All Students
Presenter: Stevan J. Kukic, PhD, Sopris West, a Cambium Learning Company, Longmont, CO
Why is it so difficult to improve achievement? While one can attribute demographic reasons for this challenge, could it be that a lack of focus on decisions based on student outcome data is a major determinant of this reality? There are practical ways for school psychologists to help break through the pervasive paradigm of making decisions based on tradition and ideology into a brave new world of data-based decisions.
This session is sponsored by the Convention Committee.
9:30 a.m.–10:50 a.m.
SPECIAL SESSION 20
Essential Tools for Early Career School Psychologists
Being prepared is critical to establishing your role as an early career school psychologist. This is your chance to build your toolkit with essential references that you will want to have at your fingertips as a practicing school psychologist.
9:30 a.m.–10:50 a.m.
SPECIAL SESSION 34
From the Ethics Committee Inbox [CPD]
Presenters: NASP Ethical and Professional Practices Committee panelists: Kathleen McNamara, Chair, PhD, Cleveland State University, OH; Susan Jacob, Cochair, PhD, Central Michigan University, Mt. Pleasant; Leigh Armistead, EdD, NCSP, Winthrop University, Rock Hill, SC; Juliette Madigan, NCSP, Cleveland Municipal School District, OH; Melissa Pearrow, PhD, University of Massachusetts, Boston; and Fred Provenzano, PhD, NCSP, Private Practice, Seattle, WA
The NASP Ethical and Professional Practices (EPP) Committee receives frequent inquiries from school psychologists seeking guidance about appropriate responses to challenging situations. Often, questions posed by NASP members result in lively discussion and debate, as many issues involve competing or unclear ethical principles. This session "opens the inbox" of the EPP committee to share some of the questions raised by NASP members and invites participants to join a panel of committee members in exploring and debating contemporary issues such as digital communication and record-keeping, privileged communication, ethical considerations associated with response-to-intervention, and mental health services in the schools.
10:00 a.m.–11:20 a.m.
SPECIAL SESSION 03
Obtaining the ABPP/Board Certification In School Psychology
The purpose of this session is to help school psychologists understand the requirements and process involved in obtaining board certification in school psychology from the American Board of Professional Psychology (ABPP).
10:00 a.m.–11:20 a.m.
SPECIAL SESSION 05
A Whole-School Approach to Transforming Children’s Mental Health K–8, a Guide
Presenters: Carol Bershad, MS; Deborah Haber, EdM; Chris Blaber, EdM; and Jennifer Kitson, EdS, NCSP, National Center for Mental Health Promotion and Youth Violence Prevention Education Development Center, Inc., Newton, MA
School psychologists are key leaders to facilitate a whole-school mental health approach that addresses the continuum from mental health promotion to prevention to early intervention and treatment. During this interactive session, participants will explore tools and resources and a phased process for implementing K–8 school-wide mental health. This session is sponsored by the Convention Committee.
10:00 a.m.–11:20 a.m.
SPECIAL SESSION 12
State Credentialing Point Person Training
NASP Credentialing Point Persons assist NASP and the state associations in providing information about state credentialing and licensing. They also provide advocacy assistance on state credentialing matters. This is an open session for existing state representatives and anyone else who may be interested in serving in this role.
11:30 a.m.–12:50 p.m.
SPECIAL SESSION 08
Student Fundraising: Finding Ways to Support Graduate School Activities
Please join us at this session to gain information related to developing and implementing valuable fundraising initiatives. Topics may include project ideas, identifying and making the most of current resources, and how to better meet the needs of all students in your program. This session is sponsored by the Student Development Workgroup.
11:30 a.m.–12:50 p.m.
SPECIAL SESSION 13
NCSP Help for Applicants from Non-NASP approved programs
This session is appropriate for NCSP applicants who have completed non-NASP approved graduate preparation programs. Participants will receive an overview of the process and will be able to ask individual questions regarding their application materials.
11:30 a.m.–12:50 p.m.
SPECIAL SESSION 15
You’ve Identified Aggression, Disruption, Off-Task Behavior, Non-Compliance, Unpreparedness, Lacking Social Skills, etc.—Now What?
Presenters: Ray Beck, Sopris West, a Cambium Learning Company, Longmont, CO
Based on a U.S. Department of Education validated model (Project RIDE), this presentation will offer participants (K-12) examples from 104 research-based interventions and 50 video demonstrations that are linked to common classroom behavioral problems and matched to five progress-monitoring options. A new web-based “Behavior Intervention Bank” using RTI and Positive Behavior Supports will guide the session. This session is sponsored by the Convention Committee.
12:00 p.m.–1:20 p.m.
SPECIAL SESSION 35
Meta-Analysis 101: How to Understand, Use, and Conduct ‘Research on Research’ [CPD]
NASP thanks the Society for the Study of School Psychology (SSSP) for co-sponsoring this session.
Presenters: Kenneth W. Merrell, PhD, University of Oregon, Eugene
Meta-analysis is a powerful research technique that combines results of several studies addressing common research questions. It has the advantage of yielding effect sizes that are more powerful than results from individual studies. This session will provide an overview of meta-analysis techniques with a focus on helping practitioners understand and use meta-analytic research. It also will provide an introduction to advanced meta-analytic methods for researchers interested in using these tools to synthesize multiple research studies.
2:00 p.m.–2:50 p.m.
SPECIAL SESSION 27
Apply for the NASP Minority Scholarship—It’s Easy! [D]
This session is designed specifically for applicants interested in the NASP Minority Scholarship. Former and current scholarship recipients will be available to guide and assist you in this process by providing tips for completing your application. Scholarship Scholars—Your scholarship donations make a difference!
2:00 p.m.–4:50 p.m.
SPECIAL SESSION 21
NASP Program Approval: Online Submission Procedures
NASP approval of specialist and doctoral school psychology programs requires that programs submit documentation meeting the 2000 NASP training standards using an online submission system. This session is intended for faculty, coordinators or programs planning to submit for NASP approval/re-approval and will provide instructions and samples for NASP program approval.
3:00 p.m.–3:50 p.m.
SPECIAL SESSION 02
International School Psychology: Information Regarding School Psychology Around the World [D]
This session aims to generate awareness of International School Psychology and provide information to NASP members interested in school psychology around the world. This session will provide information about the contemporary issues in school psychology internationally. It will be chaired by Dr. Shane Jimerson.
4:30 p.m.–5:50 p.m.
SPECIAL SESSION 36
Best Practices In Promoting Competence of School Psychology Interns [CPD]
Presenters: Joseph Prus, PhD, Winthrop University, Rock Hill, SC; Virginia Smith Harvey, PhD, University of Massachusetts, Boston
A critical aspect of school psychology preparation is the completion of a comprehensive, professional practice internship under conditions of appropriate support and supervision. This session will present standards for school psychology internships and provide best practice guidelines consistent with expectations for the profession and national standards of quality based on "Best Practice Guidelines for School Psychology Internships," which was approved by the NASP Delegate Assembly in 2009. This session is intended for faculty members in school psychology programs, field-based internship supervisors, and graduate students. It will include a discussion and exploration of what works and common issues and problems related to school psychology internships with a particular focus on intern support and supervision.
Friday, March 5
8:00 a.m.–9:20 a.m.
SPECIAL SESSION 25
Understanding and Responding to Loss in the Lives of Students
Presenter: Robin H. Gurwitch, PhD, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center National Center for School Crisis and Bereavement, Cincinnati, OH
Unfortunately, loss is common in students’ lives. When children are grieving, there is a significant impact on learning. Bereavement impacts attention, concentration, behavior, and the ability to retain new information. This session will provide an overview of this topic and offer suggestions for helping the entire school community. This session is sponsored by the Convention Committee.
8:00 a.m.–9:20 a.m.
SPECIAL SESSION 37
Analyzing Growth Curves: Ideas and Implications for Research and Practice [CPD]
NASP thanks the Society for the Study of School Psychology (SSSP) for co-sponsoring this session.
Presenters: Benjamin Silberglitt, PhD, TIES, St. Paul, MN
Tracking student academic growth has become an increasingly relevant topic for practitioners. The need for quality progress monitoring data for Response to Intervention and the ability to track growth toward standards for No Child Left Behind are two prominent examples. But, the call for these data from practitioners also raises questions about reliability, respecting the “nested” nature of educational data, and reporting growth in ways that are easily and appropriately interpreted. This presentation will review examples of using growth data effectively in research and program evaluation, discuss questions that still need to be answered about modeling growth, and review implications for practice.
10:00 a.m.–10:50 a.m.
SPECIAL SESSION 04
How to Write for Communiqué
Learn how to have your manuscript published in Communiqué. This session will describe the various kinds of articles published by Communiqué, the submission and review process, and how to enhance the probability of having your manuscript accepted. Questions and discussion will be encouraged.
10:30 a.m.–11:50 a.m.
SPECIAL SESSION 28
Disproportionality: Implications for Policy and Action [D]
Current legislative and policy issues relating to the disproportionate representation of students from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds in special education will be discussed during this session. Advocacy activities that help close achievement gaps and reduce disproportionate representation will be highlighted. This session is co-sponsored by the Multicultural Affairs and Government and Professional Relations Committees.
11:00 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
SPECIAL SESSION 39
Legal Competence of School Psychologists: Challenges and Professional Issues [CPD]
Presenters: David P. Prasse, PhD, Loyola University, Chicago, IL
This session will present an overview of major legal issues, including those related to general and special education, that school psychologists should incorporate into practices and services. A focus of the presentation will be strategies for school psychologists to include "legal competence" as part of professional decision-making. Participants will learn about current major legal issues that have an impact on school psychology practice, procedures to integrate legal topics with problem-solving, and methods to communicate and collaborate with other school professionals concerning legal issues.
11:00 a.m.–12:50 p.m.
SPECIAL SESSION 23
Communication Matters: Preserving and Promoting Your Role in a Tough Professional Climate
With tightening budgets and competing interests, administrators and other school district leaders are forced to prioritize programs and staffing for funding. Effectively communicating your essential contribution to student achievement and improved social-emotional-behavioral outcomes has never been more important. This includes concretely linking your training and skills to core district services and priorities and connecting with key decision makers. Presenters will review the fundamentals of communication and advocacy planning, message development, and implementation. Activities will focus on communicating effectively with administrators and other district decision makers. Participants will receive NASP tools and resources. This session is sponsored by the Communications Workgroup.
1:00 p.m.–2:20 p.m.
SPECIAL SESSION 38
Initiating RTI Into Resistant School Districts: Reversing the Process [CPD]
NASP thanks the National School Psychology Certification System (NCSP) for co-sponsoring this session.
Presenters: Sawyer A. Hunley, NCSP, University of Dayton, OH
The introduction of the RTI process into schools can be prevented when district issues interfere with the initiative. This session will address this problem by taking the reverse RTI approach. Participants will gain information and learn techniques for making systems change beginning with one Tier 3 case and expanding gradually to incorporate Tiers 2 and 3 into a school.