MAY NASP DELEGATE REPORT

It’s almost summer, and it always feels like there’s so much to do in this final stretch. NASP also has a lot going on this month, and it’s my pleasure to share all the latest news with you.

Your NASP membership will expire on June 30. If you’re like me, you value your membership and the accompanying access to school psychology resources, handouts, research, and discounts that help build your professional skillset. Renew today atwww.nasponline.org/renew to ensure that these benefits continue through June 30, 2017. Renew online for the option to divide your dues across three monthly installments.

May is national Mental Health Awareness Month, which provides an opportunity to share information with school leaders about the importance of school mental health services. NASP recently updated a brief handout, available at www.nasponline.org/resources-and-publications/resources/mental-health/school-psychology-and-mental-health/school-based-mental-health-services, to share with stakeholders describing the impact of mental health on learning and student well-being, and the role of school psychologists and other school-employed mental health professionals.

The NASP Leadership Assembly recently approved the “Guidance for Postgraduate Mentorship and Professional Support.” This document offers suggestions for establishing effective professional mentorships, and is available at www.nasponline.org/Documents/Standards%20and%20Certification/Certification/Guidance_Postgraduate_Mentorship.pdf. None of the guidance provided in this document should be construed as requirements toward the renewal of the NCSP; rather, it provides a set of recommendations to consider. Additionally, all school psychologists are encouraged to participate in professional mentoring, regardless of career stage or professional credentials.

Submit a proposal to speak at the NASP 2017 Annual Convention, taking place February 21–24, 2017, in San Antonio, TX! Information on composing a successful proposal is available at www.nasponline.org/professional-development/call-for-presentation-proposals.
This year, the Convention Committee is especially interested in receiving proposals for skills-based presentations that will appeal to seasoned practitioners. The deadline to submit your proposal is Wednesday, June 15, 2016.

You can also volunteer to anonymously review proposals in July. You will be asked to review around 25 brief proposals, which will take about 5 hours in total. The time you spend reviewing may count toward CPD hours for NCSP renewal (for details, see:www.nasponline.org/standards-and-certification/national-certification/ncsp-renewal/cpd-guidelines). If you’d like to participate, please send an e-mail with your member ID number and a contact e-mail address that you use regularly during the summer months to both Susan Ratterree (susanratterree@gmail.com) and Marcia Harvey (mharvey@naspweb.org). The deadline to express your interest in reviewing is Wednesday, June 15, 2016.

Professional development opportunities happening this summer include the NASP 2016 Summer Conferences in Denver, CO, and Bethesda, MD, and the GW/NASP Public Policy Institute (PPI) in Washington, DC. Attend one, two, or all three events! Topics covered at the summer conferences will include student engagement, bullying, ethical decision-making, trauma, cognitive–behavioral therapy, and more. You can see a full session list and registration details at www.nasponline.org/summer. PPI will include presentations by the U.S. Department of Education, renowned researchers, and more. The 3-day PPI experience will culminate in a Capitol Hill day, and the 5-day experience will also explore disproportionality and improving access to high-quality education. Register at www.nasponline.org/research-and-policy/public-policy-institute-(ppi).

In honor of Mental Health Month, save big on select NASP publications until May 31. Products on sale include School Psychologist as Counselor, Helping Children at Home and School III CD-ROM, Psychiatric Disorders, Transforming School Mental Health Services, and Evidence-Based Practices for School Refusal and Truancy. Shop now at www.nasponline.org/publications.

I hope this month goes well for you.

Sincerely,

Karen Pearse Apgar, NCSP
NASP Delegate – OR