A Message from your DC Delegate:

Denise Daniels, Ph.D. | DCPS School Psychologist

It's official...... ....that individuals without a doctoral degree can no longer use the title "school psychologist" if the APA Board approves this in August. The comment period opened on March 2, 2009 and closes on June 5, 2009.

The Task Force on the Revision of the Model Act for State Licensure of Psychologists recommends significant changes to the Model Licensure Act: J. Exemptions

The exemptions for individuals with doctoral degrees in psychology who do not practice or provide services were further clarified. Those individuals may use the title "psychologist" in conjunction with activities such as the teaching of psychology or the conduct of psychological research provided that those activities do not involve the provision or supervision of direct psychological services.

Additionally, individuals with a doctoral degree who are credentialed by state education agencies to practice in public schools may also use the title "psychologist" in those practice settings. A section regarding grand-parenting of psychologists already practicing but formerly exempted or excluded from licensure was added.

Specific information regarding the "school psychology exemption." Presently, individuals who provide school psychology services in public schools are credentialed by state education agencies. These individuals are not required to have a doctoral degree to provide school psychology services and typically, the state education agency grants these individuals the use of the title "school psychologist" for use while providing services in public schools.

The proposed alteration in this draft revision would allow licensed psychologists as well as only those individuals with a doctoral degree in psychology who are credentialed to practice in public schools to use the title in those settings (regardless of their psychology licensure status). Individuals who do not hold a doctoral degree in psychology would not be permitted to use the title under this change but the state education agency could still credential such individuals (albeit with a different title) and the individuals could still provide services in public school settings.

The Task Force on the Revision of the Model Act for State Licensure of Psychologists seeks comments on the revision of the "Model Act for State Licensure of Psychologists" document. The current version of the APA Model Act was approved by the APA Council of Representatives in 1987.

The Online Comment Form and Instructions can be found by visiting the APA website.

Everyone needs to reply...today!

2009 NASP National Convention (Boston, MA)

Delegate Valerie Rivers-Bethel, Dr. Denise Daniels and Chandrai Jackson-Saunders attended the National Convention in Boston. The conference theme "Taking Strides....Making a Difference" set the tone for the over 1,000 presentations, 100 posters and exhibits and this year's conference. DCASP has purchased the CD-ROM with over 100 hours of major sessions and popular training sessions, papers and workshops presented throughout the five day conference. This media will be used by DCASP as a professional development in-service tool in the near future for DCASP members and other personnel.

Membership

......has its's priviledge! Membership cards have been distributed and are available to all current members. Click here to view the DCASP Membership and Recruitment brochure!

National School Psychology Awareness Week

This year, National School Psychology Awareness Week will be held November 9-13, 2009. The DCASP will sponsor a canned food drive for needy families in our local school/area. If you are interested in working on this committee,please email Toni Williams at dcasp2008@gmail.com