Dear NC School Psychology colleagues & students,
Trainers of School Psychologists yesterday received this exciting announcement from Bonnie Nastasi, the President of Division 16:
The Division of School Psychology was able to successfully negotiate the following language, passed by the APA's Council of Representatives (CoR) today 2/20/2010. This language acknowledges that State Education Agencies credential and title practitioners who work in the schools (that may or may not hold a doctoral degree) and acknowledges that State Boards of Psychology credentials practitioners for independent practice (where a doctoral degree is required).
Nothing in this act shall be construed to prevent (cite relevant state education authority or statutory provisions) from credentialing individuals to provide school psychological services in those settings that are under the purview of the state education agency. Such individuals shall be restricted in their practice and the use of the title so conferred, which must include the word "school", to employment within those settings. This provision is not intended to restrict the activities of licensed psychologists.
We are proud of the leadership of our CoR representatives, Cindy Carlson, Frank Worrell, Beth Doll and MLA Task Force Liaisons, Deborah Tharinger, Randy Kamphaus and Tammy Hughes, as well as the support from Steve DeMers from ASPPB on behalf of the school psychology community.
Sincerely,
Bonnie K. Nastasi, PhDPresident, Division 16, APA
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Friday, February 5, 2010
Call to Ban Prone Restraints in NC Schools
Provided by Stacey Massengill, NCSPA Legislative and Public Policy Committee Member
Originally Submitted by Rob Thompson, Executive Director of the Covenant with North Carolina's Children
Attached is a letter from Disability Rights calling on Congress and NC's school districts to ban the use of prone restraints on students. See below for more context on this important issue.
If you are interested in signing on (Letter of Support) in support, please contact Kristine Sullivan at (919) 856-2195 or kristine.sullivan@disabilityrightsnc.org by February 12th.
Best, Rob
ISSUE BACKGROUND
In the past year, dangerous seclusion and restraint practices in public schools have become issues of national concern. In an upcoming report, Disability Rights NC (DRNC) is calling upon each of North Carolina's school systems to adopt a ban on prone restraint and implement Positive Behavior Supports. In the report, DRNC also includes information on important federal legislation that would ban the use of any restraint position (including prone restraint) that interferes with a student's breathing. The bill, the Preventing Harmful Restraint and Seclusion in Schools Act (H.R. 4247 and S. 2860), was drafted in collaboration with both student advocacy groups and associations of educators.
Disability Rights NC supports this federal legislation, which would impose stricter standards than what currently exists under NC law. Greater protections are particularly important for students with disabilities in North Carolina, who, as DRNC has discovered, are subjected to the routine and frequent use of prone restraint.
DRNC would appreciate your support in calling for a ban on prone restraint in North Carolina's public schools. Attached please find a letter from Vicki Smith, DRNC Executive Director, and a draft letter that will be sent to all of the NC school districts with a copy of our report. Let's stop the use of prone restraint before a North Carolina student dies.
If your organization would like to sign on in support, please contact Kristine Sullivan at (919) 856-2195 or kristine.sullivan@disabilityrightsnc.org by February 12th. Please contact DRNC if you have any questions, and feel free to share this with other organizations.
Originally Submitted by Rob Thompson, Executive Director of the Covenant with North Carolina's Children
Attached is a letter from Disability Rights calling on Congress and NC's school districts to ban the use of prone restraints on students. See below for more context on this important issue.
If you are interested in signing on (Letter of Support) in support, please contact Kristine Sullivan at (919) 856-2195 or kristine.sullivan@disabilityrightsnc.org by February 12th.
Best, Rob
ISSUE BACKGROUND
In the past year, dangerous seclusion and restraint practices in public schools have become issues of national concern. In an upcoming report, Disability Rights NC (DRNC) is calling upon each of North Carolina's school systems to adopt a ban on prone restraint and implement Positive Behavior Supports. In the report, DRNC also includes information on important federal legislation that would ban the use of any restraint position (including prone restraint) that interferes with a student's breathing. The bill, the Preventing Harmful Restraint and Seclusion in Schools Act (H.R. 4247 and S. 2860), was drafted in collaboration with both student advocacy groups and associations of educators.
Disability Rights NC supports this federal legislation, which would impose stricter standards than what currently exists under NC law. Greater protections are particularly important for students with disabilities in North Carolina, who, as DRNC has discovered, are subjected to the routine and frequent use of prone restraint.
DRNC would appreciate your support in calling for a ban on prone restraint in North Carolina's public schools. Attached please find a letter from Vicki Smith, DRNC Executive Director, and a draft letter that will be sent to all of the NC school districts with a copy of our report. Let's stop the use of prone restraint before a North Carolina student dies.
If your organization would like to sign on in support, please contact Kristine Sullivan at (919) 856-2195 or kristine.sullivan@disabilityrightsnc.org by February 12th. Please contact DRNC if you have any questions, and feel free to share this with other organizations.
Together NC Coalition Meeting Announcement
Provided by Stacey Massengill, NCSPA Legislative and Public Policy Committee Member
Originally Submitted by Rob Thompson, Executive Director of the Covenant with North Carolina's Children
Last year, we came together and formed Together NC to ensure that North Carolina elected officials took a responsible and balanced approach to addressing our economic crisis, and we made a difference - legislators included nearly $1 billion in new revenue in their final budget to sustain vital public programs.
Our current situation demands more coordinated action. With the economy struggling to recover and a tenuous state budget situation, we must come together again.
Join us for a day of conversation, education, skill-building and engagement around the state of the economy and its impact on North Carolina's children, families, and communities.
Together NC Forum: Charting a Path Forward for 2010 and Beyond
Thursday, March 18th
10 AM- 4:30PM
Marbles Kids MuseumRaleigh, NC
The agenda for the day includes:
A coalition meeting to determine a plan of action for Together NC in 2010 and beyond. We will be sending organizations a pre-assessment tool to help us plan for this portion of the day. We ask that all Together NC organizations make an effort to participate in this decision-making process even if you are unable to send a representative to the forum.
A luncheon featuring Dean Baker, a nationally-prominent economist and co-director of CEPR (https://www.cepr.net/), and Jon Shure from the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities (https://www.cbpp.org/). Dean and Jon will give us an update on the economic outlook for the US, prospects for economic recovery, and the continued impact the recession is having on states' abilities to meet the needs of their residents. The luncheon is part of NC Policy Watch's Crucial Conversation series.
A training on messaging around the economy and budget- both developing a common message for Together NC and helping organizations develop an effective message about your own budget priorities. (Jon Shure is confirmed, Patrick Bressette from Demos has been invited)
The forum is open to all current and prospective members of the Together NC Coalition. Please feel free to invite new organizations to join us for the day.
To RSVP- Email togethernc10@gmail.com with the following information:
Name of your organization
Number of people from your organization you expect to attend with their names and contact information
Whether or not you plan to attend for the full-day or just part of the day. Be sure to indicate whether or not each attendant will be present for lunch.
A more detailed agenda and the pre-assessment survey will be sent out over the next few weeks.
If you have any questions about the forum or Together NC, please contact Rob Thompson (rob@nccovenant.org or 919.866.3280) or Meg Wiehe (meg@ncjustice.org or 919.856.3192).
Directions to Marbles Kids Museum: http://www.marbleskidsmuseum.org/directions
For more information on Together NC: http://www.togethernc.org/
Originally Submitted by Rob Thompson, Executive Director of the Covenant with North Carolina's Children
Last year, we came together and formed Together NC to ensure that North Carolina elected officials took a responsible and balanced approach to addressing our economic crisis, and we made a difference - legislators included nearly $1 billion in new revenue in their final budget to sustain vital public programs.
Our current situation demands more coordinated action. With the economy struggling to recover and a tenuous state budget situation, we must come together again.
Join us for a day of conversation, education, skill-building and engagement around the state of the economy and its impact on North Carolina's children, families, and communities.
Together NC Forum: Charting a Path Forward for 2010 and Beyond
Thursday, March 18th
10 AM- 4:30PM
Marbles Kids MuseumRaleigh, NC
The agenda for the day includes:
A coalition meeting to determine a plan of action for Together NC in 2010 and beyond. We will be sending organizations a pre-assessment tool to help us plan for this portion of the day. We ask that all Together NC organizations make an effort to participate in this decision-making process even if you are unable to send a representative to the forum.
A luncheon featuring Dean Baker, a nationally-prominent economist and co-director of CEPR (https://www.cepr.net/), and Jon Shure from the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities (https://www.cbpp.org/). Dean and Jon will give us an update on the economic outlook for the US, prospects for economic recovery, and the continued impact the recession is having on states' abilities to meet the needs of their residents. The luncheon is part of NC Policy Watch's Crucial Conversation series.
A training on messaging around the economy and budget- both developing a common message for Together NC and helping organizations develop an effective message about your own budget priorities. (Jon Shure is confirmed, Patrick Bressette from Demos has been invited)
The forum is open to all current and prospective members of the Together NC Coalition. Please feel free to invite new organizations to join us for the day.
To RSVP- Email togethernc10@gmail.com with the following information:
Name of your organization
Number of people from your organization you expect to attend with their names and contact information
Whether or not you plan to attend for the full-day or just part of the day. Be sure to indicate whether or not each attendant will be present for lunch.
A more detailed agenda and the pre-assessment survey will be sent out over the next few weeks.
If you have any questions about the forum or Together NC, please contact Rob Thompson (rob@nccovenant.org or 919.866.3280) or Meg Wiehe (meg@ncjustice.org or 919.856.3192).
Directions to Marbles Kids Museum: http://www.marbleskidsmuseum.org/directions
For more information on Together NC: http://www.togethernc.org/
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Legislative Updates from the Covenant with North Carolina's Children
Provided by Stacey Massengill, NCSPA Legislative and Public Policy Committee Member
Originally Submitted by Rob Thompson, Executive Director of the Covenant with North Carolina's Children
In this update:
I. State Budget Update
II. Child Poverty Issues for Legislature
III. Meetings with Congressional Delegation
IV. Juvenile Justice Meeting Reminder
I. State Budget Update
Some good news - thanks to the unanticipated success of a corporate tax compliance initiative, we're $30 million ahead of projected revenues for the year! But, without this windfall we would be $240 million under projections, due to slower than expected economic growth and persistent unemployment and underemployment.It's still quite likely that revenues fall under projections by the end of they fiscal year.
Even though the revenue picture is passable, we're spending more than anticipated. Medicaid is running a $250 million deficit largely due to rapid enrollment growth and a spike in utilization. It's also unclear how much money we'll need to pump into the state employee retirement plan and state employee health plan to keep them solvent. The Governor may need to use the remainder of our rainy day fund plus other fund balances to prevent more cuts for the current fiscal year.
As for next year's budget, it looks like we'll be dealing with many of the same problems with underperforming revenues, unrealized savings, and enrollment growth in key state services like Medicaid. However, if the Governor spends down all fund balances to fill this year's shortfall, it's likely that we'll be dealing with another round of painful cuts for next year.
II. Child Poverty Issues
At their next meeting, the Poverty and Economic Recovery Committee will focus on child poverty issues. Because the Covenant's members represent a wealth of diverse perspectives on child poverty, I wanted to see if any of y'all had perspectives on child poverty that might overlooked. If you have thoughts about what this Committee should discuss, please let me know and I will pass that on to legislative staff and Committee members.
III. Meetings with the Congressional Delegation
Mandy Ableidinger from Action for Children is setting up a series of meetings with NC's congressional delegation for the week of Feb. 15th, and we are looking for local groups and citizens to attend these meetings with her. If you are interested, please email Mandy at mandy@ncchild.org.
Here are the issues we are planning to discuss - health care reform, TANF reauthorization, Early Learning Challenge Grants, Juvenile Justice and Delinquincy Prevention Reauthorization Act, and one or two others. Mandy will be glad to brief you and send you materials on these issues if you are interested in attending a meeting.
IV. Juvenile Justice Workgroup Meeting Reminder
Thursday, February 4th @ 3pm
Participate via Phone:
Call in number: 1-866-210-1669
Passcode 2109520
Attend in Person: Action for Children. 1300 St. Mary's Street, Suite 500, Raleigh, NC 27605
Originally Submitted by Rob Thompson, Executive Director of the Covenant with North Carolina's Children
In this update:
I. State Budget Update
II. Child Poverty Issues for Legislature
III. Meetings with Congressional Delegation
IV. Juvenile Justice Meeting Reminder
I. State Budget Update
Some good news - thanks to the unanticipated success of a corporate tax compliance initiative, we're $30 million ahead of projected revenues for the year! But, without this windfall we would be $240 million under projections, due to slower than expected economic growth and persistent unemployment and underemployment.It's still quite likely that revenues fall under projections by the end of they fiscal year.
Even though the revenue picture is passable, we're spending more than anticipated. Medicaid is running a $250 million deficit largely due to rapid enrollment growth and a spike in utilization. It's also unclear how much money we'll need to pump into the state employee retirement plan and state employee health plan to keep them solvent. The Governor may need to use the remainder of our rainy day fund plus other fund balances to prevent more cuts for the current fiscal year.
As for next year's budget, it looks like we'll be dealing with many of the same problems with underperforming revenues, unrealized savings, and enrollment growth in key state services like Medicaid. However, if the Governor spends down all fund balances to fill this year's shortfall, it's likely that we'll be dealing with another round of painful cuts for next year.
II. Child Poverty Issues
At their next meeting, the Poverty and Economic Recovery Committee will focus on child poverty issues. Because the Covenant's members represent a wealth of diverse perspectives on child poverty, I wanted to see if any of y'all had perspectives on child poverty that might overlooked. If you have thoughts about what this Committee should discuss, please let me know and I will pass that on to legislative staff and Committee members.
III. Meetings with the Congressional Delegation
Mandy Ableidinger from Action for Children is setting up a series of meetings with NC's congressional delegation for the week of Feb. 15th, and we are looking for local groups and citizens to attend these meetings with her. If you are interested, please email Mandy at mandy@ncchild.org.
Here are the issues we are planning to discuss - health care reform, TANF reauthorization, Early Learning Challenge Grants, Juvenile Justice and Delinquincy Prevention Reauthorization Act, and one or two others. Mandy will be glad to brief you and send you materials on these issues if you are interested in attending a meeting.
IV. Juvenile Justice Workgroup Meeting Reminder
Thursday, February 4th @ 3pm
Participate via Phone:
Call in number: 1-866-210-1669
Passcode 2109520
Attend in Person: Action for Children. 1300 St. Mary's Street, Suite 500, Raleigh, NC 27605
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