School Psychs Advocating Against the APA's Proposed Model Act for State Licensure of Psychologists

The hot topic in school psychology currently is APA’s proposed Model Act for State Licensure of Psychologists. This document guides state legislators in how they should set up their psychology licensing laws. Previous versions of this document provided an exemption to school psychologists allowing them to use the term school psychologist as long as they were practicing in public schools. The major source of controversy is that APA is trying to remove this exemption so that only doctoral level school psychologists can use the title psychologist and provide psychological services.

As a future Education Specialist (Ed.S.) level school psychologist, this is very troubling. If a state’s legislature adopts the APA model act proposed recommendations, Ed.S. level school psychologists will have to change their title, change their practices, and adjust the services provided while also receiving supervision by a doctoral level licensed psychologist. Also, the rationale behind the APA model act proposal is not based on research evidence that suggests the change is needed or warranted. It really isn’t based on anything. It’s not as if Ed.S. level school psychologists have been found to cause harm.

Ed.S. school psychologists are really needed. There is a growing shortage of school psychologists nationwide, and receiving an Ed.S. in three years rather than completing a 5 year doctoral level program produces the school psychologists needed to fill this gap. Plus, the majority of practicing school psychologists are Ed.S. level. As an Ed.S. student, I definitely feel as though graduate school has provided me with a thorough scientist-practitioner based education that prepares me to serve as a school psychologist in the schools. The National Association of School Psychologists has led a huge effort to keep this act from passing. Let’s hope it has been enough!

Here is a picture of Ruger, our chocolate lab. As you can see, he's pretty spoiled and is allowed on the couch. He is the best dog ever, and we are very attached. Also, in response to a few question comments on here, our wedding will be held in northwestern PA next summer. I am from western NY, and my fiance grew up 10 minutes away across the border in northwestern PA. There is a country club near where he grew up and the site looks like an old castle. We fell in love with it immediately! Thanks for the comments. I really enjoy looking at all of the blogs and learning more about everyone.

Introduction

Hi everyone!
I am starting this blog as a part of a CEP 882, a class I am taking this summer at Michigan State University. I am just finishing my second year in the Ed.S. school psychology program at MSU. At the end of the summer, I will be moving back to the NY/PA area to begin my school psychology internship at the Olean City School District. I participate in a school psych training grant, called Project SPARKLE (school psychologists with the accommodation and remediation knowledge to promote literacy everywhere) and am taking this class through that grant.

I am originally from Portville, NY and graduated with a BA in psychology and BS in public relations from Syracuse University in 2007. My fiance and I are just starting to plan for our wedding next summer which is very exciting. I enjoy playing with our chocolate lab, Ruger, reading, singing, dancing, watching tv, rollerblading, and swimming. I am looking forward to getting to know everyone in this summer class. Enjoy the sun!