Recently, the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) has developed and approved several documents and resources that support foundational policy and practice areas critical to the future of school psychology: (1) effective education systems; (2) comprehensive school mental and behavioral health services; and (3) the comprehensive role…

This year for National School Psychology Awareness Week, November 12-16, 2012, the authors urge their school psychologist colleagues across the country to help their students and the colleagues that they support to discover and celebrate their individual strengths. Whether strengths are academic, athletic, or social, they serve to bolster an…

This article talks about the School Psychology Awareness Week, November 14-18, 2011 that involved school psychologists from around the country and in Washington, District of Columbia, helping students, educators, and policy makers make connections that can improve outcomes for students and families. Activities built on the theme, "Every Link…

Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS), Maryland, is the 17th largest school district in the country, with more than 146,000 students and 200 schools (34 of which are National Blue Ribbon and 27 of which are Title 1). Wielding a budget of more than $2 billion, MCPS is also one of the top performing school districts in the country, with a 90%…

The role of the school psychologist is strategically placed at the epicenter of a child's life. Not only do school psychologists provide direct services to the students at their schools, but they also work and collaborate with teachers, parents, peers, administrators, and community providers. Consequently, the potential impact that school…

A day in the life of a student at school is filled with potential connections (relationships, linkages in learning, behavioral choices, etc.). Friendships with peers, relationships with teachers, acknowledgements from administrators, encouragement from coaches: These are all interpersonal connections that are essential not only to making school an…

Being the "go-to" person who understands how to deal with problems and help struggling students succeed is truly something to be proud of and promote. School psychologists want administrators, teachers, and parents to view them as an invaluable resource for effective problem solving. Shining a light on the positive aspects of their work and the…

The economic downturn is hitting schools hard, and in many places, school psychologists are seeing positions cut, services limited, and roles redefined. At the same time, the need for prevention and intervention services is skyrocketing as children, families, and staff suffer the effects of lost incomes, homes, and stability. Forces that may seem…

The National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) is celebrating its 40th anniversary and the 20th anniversary of the Nationally Certified School Psychologist (NCSP) credential. NASP was founded on March 15, 1969 during a national planning conference in St. Louis. In this article, the author provides a brief overview of the NASP.

The PREPaRE Crisis Prevention and Intervention Curriculum is the first comprehensive curriculum developed and offered by NASP. PREPaRE's purpose is to build the capacity of schools at the local level to prevent, prepare for, respond to, and recover from crisis events. Embedded in this primary goal is the ability to foster systems change consistent…