Updates & Articles

A school psychologist position JUST became available at Delcastle Technical High School in the NCCVT School District. The new hire will join the current full-time school psychologist, Ellen Flanagan Burns. Great district and friendly people to work with! If you or anyone you know is interested, please feel free to send Ellen an email with any questions. Send any inquiries to ellenfb@verizon.net or ellen.flanagan@nccvt.k12.de.us

 

One of the benefits of a state organization is that we advocate for our members, for our profession, and for the students in our schools on issues that impact them.  Most recently, the DASP Government and Professional Relations Committee, headed by Eric Pizzini and Courtney Kennell, developed a statement regarding recent changes to Regulation 225. Specifically, DASP expresses significant concerns with the updates made in the most recent version of Regulation 225, and does not support it as currently written. 

The DASP statement, linked below in the PDF file named "DASP_response to Regulation 225.docx.pdf", states that DASP is concerned with the requirement of having parent or guardian permission prior to the school taking “action to recognize a change in any protected characteristic”. Overall, DASP is in disagreement with this position. By not allowing a student to use a self-identified gender or race if a parent or guardian denies it, or if a student doesn’t feel comfortable getting permission from a parent, it creates an environment that is not welcoming for a student and allows for potential discrimination by the school by not recognizing a Protected Characteristic solely due to the parent’s wishes. It is DASP’s position that all students, regardless of various Protected Characteristics, including gender identity, have the right to a safe and supportive environment within the educational arena. When students are in school climates that are safe, inclusive, and respectful of diversity, they perform better academically, behaviorally, and socially-emotionally.

Thank you to Eric, Courtney, and the rest of the contributing DASP Board members for their thoughtful creation of this document.

DASP response to Regulation 225.docx.pdf

Senator Nelson of Florida recently introduced a bill to increase the number of school psychologists, counselors, and social workers in schools.  In order to support our profession, we should also support this legislation.  Therefore, it is imperative that you write/call your local officials and ask them to co-sponsor this bill.  This can be done via the NASP website- http://cqrcengage.com/naspweb/app/onestep-write-a-letter?7&engagementId=478893

Thank you!

Check out the "Upcoming Events" section of the website to register for the DASP Conference. This year, we are also offering PREPaRE training for the two days prior to the conference itself. PREPaRE training will take place on May 8th and 9th from 8:00-2:00 on each day. There are only 40 spots available, so act fast!

Click here to see this year's Fall newsletter!

The advent of Daylight Savings Time also heralds another important tradition, at least for Delaware's school psychologists - Spring Conference Registration!

Registration options are now available!  Check out more details under our Spring Conference tab, or jump right to your registration options here!

Don't forget to register for the Spring Membership Dinner as well.

See you all at the coast!

An email went out to members this morning that contained the following:

DASP Members--Important Memo

We are sending out a drafted letter to represent school psychologists in the most recent draft of Delaware's ESSA plan.  You may edit the letter in any way that you like to address your specific concerns or you may simply use the letter in its original form and sign/type your name at the bottom before submitting.  The letter is our association's efforts in advocating for school psychologists and our specific concerns in Delaware's drafted plan so please read through the letter to get a better understanding of the specific points we are looking at. (You can use this or just go off of it for the email)

ESSA Letter - Edited Draft.docx

Please submit your letter to ESSAStatePlan@doe.k12.de.us by Friday, February 10th at the latest, as it is the last day for written comments.  

We need your help to plan for DASP events! Please join us for a virtual meeting on January 12th at 7pm. RSVP to Gabi Koury (gabi.koury@redclay.k12.de.us). 

School Psychology Awareness Week (SPAW) is November 14-18, 2016. The theme is Small Steps Change Lives. Our goal is to highlight how taking small steps can build greater successes and develops the academic and social-emotional skills students need to promote personal achievement, growth, and resilience, as well as a sense of belonging and wellbeing. Resources and messaging can be adapted to students and adults, different age groups, and multiple contexts. The program involves a series of resources and suggested activities to help school staff, students and parents understand the variety of factors that contribute to thriving students and school communities. Click here for more information.

State Secretary of Education Steven H. Godowsky is inviting stakeholders from across the state to discuss ESSA implementation and provide us with input on issues such as how the state uses federal education dollars to help ensure that all students have equitable access to a high-quality education. These forums are one way in which we are soliciting feedback to inform our state plan.

November 16, 2016: 6:00p, Wilmington Register here!

November 21, 2016: 6:00p, Cape Henlopen Register here!

November 29, 2016: 6:00p, Seaford Register here!

December 1, 2016: 6:00p, Dover Register here!

December 8, 2016: 6:00p, Newark Register here!

This is a great opportunity for school psychologists across the state to impact law and thus practice. Click here for more information about ESSA.