| KANSAS ASSOCIATION OF SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGISTS
Empowering Children, Educators, and Families |
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President-Elect: The President-Elect attends KASP Executive Board meetings, prepares for his/her duties as President, and assists other officers or officials as is necessary. The President-Elect and thePresident is expected to attend the annual NASP convention and the Regional Leadership Meeting. The President- Elect also works with the Treasurer to develop a budget for the year that they serve as President. The budget would likely be developed during December and then presented at the board retreat in January. Some specific tasks include:
Associate Editor: The primary function of the Editor and Associate Editor is to publish a minimum of four newsletters (The Kansas School Psychologist) per year. They shall coordinate any other publications as determined by the Board. This is a two-year position with election to the Associate Publications position for the first year. The Associate Editor will be mentored during his/her first year and will share in publication duties. The Associate Editor will become the Editor for the second year of his/her term. Some specific tasks include:
Regional Directors: The primary responsibilities of the Regional Directors are to inform and survey their constituents on important issues and report the results of surveys to the Board. Regional Directors also support the Membership/Public Information official by developing membership in their region and identifying District Liaisons from each independent agency providing school psychological services i.e. school district, Cooperative, Interlock. Regional Directors organize regional meetings for members of their region. Regional Directors also help the Past President in soliciting nominations for officers and officials. They also work to solicit nominations for Edna Harrison Awards, Action Research Grant, and School Psychologist of the Year.
| Betsy Crawford President Jessica Mefford President-Elect Kathleen Gaskey Past-President Susan Severin Secretary Jaime Johnston Treasurer Emily Demo Communications Director Brandi Duskie NASP Delegate Tommie Gonzalez Editor Jeanelle Herrel Associate Editor Ashley Enz Northeast Region Director Stacey Moddie Southeast Region Director
Melissa Sullivan Central Region Director Jim Persinger Government Relations Heidi Dubois Conference Chair Keely Persinger Executive Manager Wes Sims University Representative TBD Student Representative Ashley Enz Webmaster/Archivist |
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Membership Meeting. Friday, October 5, 2017 President's Address "We have participated for the last 2 days in professional development intended to help extend our understanding of trauma, the impact it has on the neurological systems of children and adults, and the need to change how we respond and what questions we ask. This is a huge undertaking, but I believe you will find the outcomes that you get from children is well worth the effort you put into it. YOU can be THAT person, changing a life with one positive comment at a moment that a child needs it the most. It’s the people that support a child that helps build resiliency. Be the support and scaffolding for your students. You might be the turning point in their life. Now, I would like to recognize the current KASP board members for their work in putting together this convention, as well as all their efforts to make KASP one of the top organizations in the nation. Would the current KASP board members please stand? These people have embraced the challenges that have been presented to them, have volunteered their time, knowledge, and energy, and have represented the profession of school psychology well. Please join me in a round of applause for their commitment to our profession and to the children of the state of Kansas. I will also use this time to announce the results of the election ballot that was sent out to membership for voting through the end of yesterday. Before I announce the results, I would like to comment that several of the positions were uncontested, which does not lessen the commitment of the people on the ballot; however, it does make me question how our current membership can rally and give back to the profession. We all have caseloads that are overwhelming and can be challenging from day to day. However, the benefit of working on a board of committed professionals far exceeds the time commitment that is a part of the responsibilities. I want to challenge you all to think about when is it your turn to step-up and represent your profession proudly. It is more important than ever to be visible, to contribute to the evolution of the profession, and to have a say in what school psychology is going to be in the future. If not you, then who? I would like to now recognize and announce the newest members of the KASP Board. Please stand as I read your name and position.
Please join me in welcoming these dedicated professionals to the 2018 KASP Board. Thank you for making this commitment to our profession. This year, the KASP Board also committed to updating the Constitution and Bylaws of KASP. We sent the suggested wording changes for your review when we sent out the voting ballots. Is there a motion to discuss and vote on the suggested changes to the KASP Constitution? Is there a second? Thank you. Are there any points of discussion at this time? If not, do I have a motion to vote on the wording changes to the Constitution as presented to the membership? Is there a second? All those in favor? All those against? Motion passed. Our role as school psychologists is a complex one, and not easily described to others. I have always stumbled over how to explain what I do for a living—it’s not the same job from day-to-day. Sure, there are some basic underlying components that are consistent, but on any given day I can walk in expecting my day to look one way and leave not having done one of the things that I had planned to accomplish that day, because of the needs of my buildings, my staff, or the students and families that I help to support. So, I started thinking about how the field of school psychology evolved and sought out additional information. In reading the history, it appeared that the term school psychologist was first used in 1910 by the German psychologist Stern. It also clarified for me that school psychology is rooted in psychology and education—in scientific psychology through the mental measurement movement, in applied psychology through the mental health movement, and in education through the pupil personnel services movement, and more recently through special education. Since we are part of public education, which is ever changing, the role demands and expectations have continued to evolve. About every 10 years, our roles seem to be redefined according to what the discipline was at that time period, and what the practitioners should be doing or are expected to do. Our jobs have always been demanding; however, I believe that the demands that are placed on us now are more important than ever, as the mental health needs of our students have increased. We must become more visible, we must make ourselves indispensable. School Psychology Awareness week is November 13-17, 2017. This is one such opportunity to make yourself visible to your staff, parents, and community. Be proud of what you do and share that with others. Celebrate being a school psychologist. The National Association of School Psychologists has been discussing and predicting a school psychologist shortage, and has been attempting to aide state organizations in preparing for the shortages that are occurring. If you have not yet read the KASP Board report on school psychologist shortages, it is available on the KASP.org site. Please take time to read it. Your active engagement and understanding of this situation can impact the outcomes that result. KASP has been working to try to address the school psychologist shortages that have been looming on the horizon over the past 8 to 10 years. We have conducted surveys, interviewed other state organizations and universities, and reached out to the state department of education to assist us in wrapping around the shortages that have now become a reality in our state. Our data reflects that by the end of the next school year (2018-19), 35% or a little over one-third of the school psychologists responding to a 2017 survey anticipated that they would be leaving the profession of school psychology. We know that in 2020, which is only 2 more years from now, two-thirds of the current practicing psychologists in Kansas are anticipated to leave the field. Many reported that high caseloads, stressful work conditions, burnout, stagnant or low salaries, political challenges, problems with the current retirement system (KPERS), and family moves as all being contributing factors. Each year since 2009, we have seen an 11-year trend where 2% MORE psychologists were retiring than entering the field, resulting in an 11% decrease in support provided per pupil. While this has been occurring, we have also noted a significant increase in the mental and behavioral health needs of our students. The reality has hit the state of Kansas, as open school psychologist positions have had districts looking for other options in providing supports. Several have reently hired clinical psychologists to fill the void. KASP is NOT in support of this practice, not because we are elitist, but because of training differences that are critical to the role of providing services in the school setting. Clinical psychologists lack training in child and adolescent developmental psychology, the very population they are working with in the schools. Their certification was based on administrative supervision, rather than professional supervision and feedback. They lack the training in Educational Law and the Rights of Families, as well as a lack of educational training. They have had not curricular training that was embedded into their programs. We feel that the services that they provide in a position as a school psychologist will be lacking because of this, unless futher training is sought out. KASP is currently working to further define what being a school psychologist is, and what makes us different from other professions? We have put together a team to work with the KSDE on licensure, working on steps and processes at the university level to allow for re-specialization from other professions in the shortest amount of time possible, while maintaining the high-quality expectations of our profession. We must figure out how to inform those around us of the value of school psychology and gain more visibility with students seeking out professions in order to gain interest in our field. If we cannot advocate and support the need for school psychology, the field may never be able to recover. We encourage you to continue to be active in KASP, to volunteer for board positions, and to work with your local districts in problem-solving around how to support children with school psychologists. Be an advocate for yourself! Thank you for listening so attentively and I hope that I’ve been able to provide you some insight into the challenges that we currently are facing in our field." |
2017 KASP CONVENTION AWARD WINNERS |
Colleen Riley, Director Early Childhood, Special Education, and Title Services; Kansas State Department of Education This award is given to individuals or groups outside the profession of school psychology who have supported political action and advocacy on behalf of children to improve education and mental health services for Kansas children, youth and their families. These awardees have worked to make systemic changes in policies that govern the provision of education and mental health services at the local, state, and/or national level. In addition, these individuals or groups have worked to support the KASP mission and its goals. Individual nominees or groups have so distinguished themselves by this service that clear evidence of improvement of education and services for children can be readily documented. The first recipient of the KASP Friend of Education Award is Colleen Riley, Director of Early Childhood, Special Education, and Title Services at the Kansas State Department of Education. Colleen has been a state department liaison for the KASP Board and has been supportive of the comprehensive role of school psychologists. She has been committed to effective educational practices delivered through a muli-tiered system of support and has helped shape the Kansas Can vision. Kansas students receive a better education because of the advocacy, work, and support of Colleen Riley. | PIONEER AWARD
Kyle Carlin, Ed.S. The recipient of the 2017 Edna L. Harrison Pioneer Award is an active member of KASP, as well as holding seats on committees within the Kansas State Department of Education that focus on appropriate service provision and mental health needs within the schools. He is a strong advocate for schools, families, children, and other school psychologists at both the local and state levels.The Edna L. Harrison Pioneer Award is named for one of the original founders of KASP in 1964. Later, at the age of 71, Edna served the KASP Board as the sixth KASP President. Throughout her life, she was well respected for her humanitarian work, her advocacy for children, and for exemplary practice as a school psychologist. Edna was truly ahead of her time and frequently had to persevere under difficult circumstances. This award helps to address the need to reframe the role of Kansas school psychologists as educational and mental health providers. The award serves to validate those practitioners who are engaging in innovative health service delivery and working to meet the needs of children with increasingly more diverse and challenging needs. Within his practice as a school psychologist, he has developed and delivered inservice training to district personnel, helped to structure school systems including the SIT process, and recently has taken on the position of PBIS coordinator in his district, a position that was created based on and directly linked to his efforts and advocacy. If all that is not enough, he is also a published author of the book, Bug and Boo, which is a resource for parents, teachers, and young students to use in learning calming strategies. I am proud to recognize and introduce to you, the 2017 recipient of the Edna L. Harrison Pioneer Award, Kyle Carlin. | of the Year
Rachel Ellenz, Ed.S. The Kansas School Psychologist of the Year award is intended to identify and recognize a KASP member in good standing who is an outstanding practicing school psychologist. The winner of this award must be a dues-paid member of KASP in good standing, performs their job in an exemplary manner, demonstrates ethical and professional behavior, is a child-focused problem-solver, and spends at least 80% of their time providing direct services to students, teachers and parents in the school setting For More Information on Rachel, see the School Psych Spotlight below! |
Kansas Association of School Psychologists (KASP) is approved by the National Association of School Psychologists to offer continuing education for school psychologists. KASP maintains responsibility for the program.
KASP is a NASP approved provider of CPDs. KASP is approved provider #1030 No person will be denied access to or full participation in any KASP program, event or activity on the basis of sex, race, color, national origin, disability, or age.  |
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RESOURCES RECOMMENDED BY DR. BERNARD FRANKLIN Videos If you had knowledge of their experiences Under the surface https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ujZwl7Gbp5Q ReMoved https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lOeQUwdAjE0&t=156s
Remember My Story—ReMoved 2 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I1fGmEa6WnY&t=107s Eye Experiment YouTube
How Childhood Trauma Affects Health Across a Lifetime; Nadine Burke Harris, MD. https://www.ted.com/talks/nadine_burke_harris_how_childhood _trauma_affects_health_across_a_lifetime
The ChildTrauma Academy Channel YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCf4ZUgIXyxRcUNLuhimA5mA School Trauma Healing Models Responsive Classroom Responsive Classroomis an evidence-based approach to elementary and middle school teaching that focuses on the strong link between academic success and social-emotional learning (SEL). Independentresearchhas found that theResponsive Classroomapproach is associated with higher academic achievement in math and reading, improved school climate, and higher-quality instruction. It has been described by theCollaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL)as one of the most “well-designed evidence-based social and emotional learning (SEL) programs”. https://www.responsiveclassroom.org Annie E. Casey Foundation Trauma Systems Therapy for Foster Care (TST-FC) is a powerful new training curriculum designed to enhance foster parents’ understanding of how trauma affects children’s behavior. http://www.aecf.org/blog/introducing-tst-fc-a-trauma-focused-curriculum-for-caregivers/
| BOOKS AND RESOURCES RECOMMENDED FROM DR. FRANKLIN'S PRESENTATION For Parents and Families http://www.acesconnection.com/blog/handouts-for-parents-about-aces-toxic-stress-and-resilience Handouts for parents about ACES, toxic stress & resilience Helping Traumatized Children Learn. Volume 1. A Report and Policy Agenda. Published in 2005, TLPI’s landmark report summarizes research from psychology and neurobiology that documents the impact trauma from exposure to violence can have on children’s learning, behavior and relationships in school. The report also introduces the Flexible Framework, a tool organized according to six core operational functions of schools that can help educators maintain a whole-school perspective as they create trauma-sensitive learning environments for all children. You can download a free PDF of the book by completing the online form. https://traumasensitiveschools.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/Helping-Traumatized-Children-Learn.pdf Helping Traumatized Children Learn. Volume 2. Creating and Advocating for Trauma-Sensitive Schools. 140 pages Volume 2 of Helping Traumatized Children Learn:Creating and Advocating for Trauma-Sensitive Schools, safe, supportive learning environments that benefit all childrenoffers a Guide to a process for creating trauma-sensitive schools and a policy agenda to provide the support schools need to achieve this goal. Grounded in theory and practice in schools and with families, the Guide is intended to be a living document that will grow and change as more schools become trauma sensitive and add their ideas. The policy agenda calls for changes in laws, policies, and funding streams to support schools in this work. Together, the online learning community and the book are designed to complement each other, helping to build a growing and increasingly visible trauma-sensitive learning community. https://traumasensitiveschools.org/tlpi-publications/
Helping Children Succeed: What Works and Why; by Paul Tough What should we do to improve the lives of children growing up in adversity? From the best-selling author of How Children Succeed, a handbook to guide readers through the new science of success. Purchase the book or download the PDF. Other Book Resources Brisch, Karl H.; Treating Attachment Disorders: From Theory to Therapy; 1999. Brown, Brene; Daring Greatly: How The Courage to Be Vulnerable Transforms the Way We Live, Love, and Lead; 2012. Brown, Brene; Rising Strong: The Reckoning. The Rumble. The Revolution; 2015. DeGruy, Joy; Post Traumatic Slave Syndrome: America’s Legacy of Enduring Injury and Healing; 2005. Doidge, Norman; The Brain That Changes Itself: Stories of Personal Triump from the Frontiers of Brain Science; 2007. Doidge, Norman; The Brain’s Way of Healing: Remarkable Discoveries and Recoveries from the Frontiers of Neuroplasticity; 2015. Firman, John & Gila, Ann; The Primal Wound: A Transpersonal view of Truama, Addiction, and Growth; 1997. Hill, Robert W., & Castro, Eduardo; Healing Young Brains: The Neurofeedback Solution. Durg-Free For Childhood Disorders—Including Autism, ADHD, Depression, and Anxiety; 2009. Levine, Peter; Walking the Tiger: Healing Trauma; Somatic Experiencing Trauma Institute, Boulder, CO, 1997. Levine, Peter; In An Unspoken Voice: How the Body Releases Trauma and Restores Goodness; 2010. Levy, Terry, & Orlans, Michael; Attachment, Trauma, and Healing: Understanding and Treating Attachment Disorder in Children and Families; 1998. Nicholson, Barbara & Parker, Lysa; Attached at the Heart: 8 Proven Parenting Principles for Raising Connected and Compassionate Children; 2009. Pelzer, Dave; A Child Called It: One Child’s Courage to Survive, 1993. Perry, Bruce, & Maia Szalavitz; The Boy Who Was Raised as a Dog; 2008. Perry, Richard; Effects of Traumatic Events on Children; The Child Trauma Academy, 2003. Purvis, Karyn; The Connected Child, Institute of Child Development, Texas Christian University, Ft. Worth, TX; 2007. Ross, Colin A.; & Halpern, Naomi; Trauma Model Therapy; 2009. Saxe, Glenn N.; & Ellis, B. Heidi; & Brown, Adam D.; Trauma Systems Therapy for Children and Teens; 2016. Siegel, Daniel; Parenting from the Inside Out; 2013. Siegel, Daniel; The Neurobiology of We: How Relationships, the Mind, and the Brain Interact to Shape Who We Are; 2011. Sweeney, Michael; Brain-The Complete Mind: How it Develops, How it Works, and How to Keep It Sharp; 2009. Taylor, Jill Bolte; My Stoke of Insight: A Brain Scientist’s Personal Journey; 2006. Taylor, Kathleen; & Marienau, Catherine; Facilitating Learning with the Adult Brain in Mind. A conceptual and practical guide; 2016. Van Der Kolk, Bessel; The Body Keeps The Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma; 2014. Verrier, Nancy Newton; The Primal Wound: Understanding the Adopted Child; 1993. Wimberger, Lisa; Neurosculpting: A Step-by-Step Program to Change Your Brain and Transform Your Life; 2014. |
2017 KASP School Psychologist of the Year Rachel Ellenz This year’s recipient began her career as a teacher and then returned to school to obtain the School Psychology licensure. She is considered to be a leader in her cooperative and within the schools that she supports. In addition to being a leader she does an excellent job of teaming with other school psychologists, administrators and IEP teams. She is actively involved in school-based committees, is quick to volunteer her time, even when there is none to give. She regularly sends team members articles pertaining to current educational trends, assessment methods and data, and different teaching methodologies. This school psychologist is visible in the community and sought out by parents for support. She is easily approachable and often helps parents in understanding the educational processes, as well as linking them with information and resources in the community. She maintains a very high caseload of some of the most difficult situations in the coop, she mentors new team members, she reports to the director and superintendents, and is a leader of the team of school psychologists. She does all of this with a positive attitude, ethical behavior, and an overall attitude of “together we can do this.” She is much more than an organizer, data gatherer, or author of articles. Her most special talent is that of caring! Her calm, happy demeanor helps any child or teen to be comfortable before, during and after the assessments in which they need to participate. She is able to support others while respecting their need for space. She steps in when staff members have emergencies, provides on-going support to staff, and has been able to adapt situations to make them as successful as possible when staff have physical, mental, or emotional difficulties. As one staff member noted that “Rachel lives her life with purpose. I don’t believe a single day passes without her helping someone.” Her peers shared that she even chooses her outfit based on what obstacles she expects to encounter and conquer during the day, such as a long jacket that she calls her “superhero cape!”. As Kirsten Jones, fellow school psychologist noted, “In my opinion, if each of us were fortunate enough to shadow Rachel for a day and reflect on what she does for her school, colleagues and kids, we could all learn volumes about supporting each other, advocating for children, and doing what is right even when it’s tough.” It’s my pleasure to announce to you the 2017 KASP School Psychologist of the Year, Rachel Ellenz, from USD 273 Beloit Public Schools. Testimonials from Ellen’s nomination included: Rachel’s Director, Karen Niemczyk, shared that Rachel is “an exceptional school psychologist. She is caring and genuine in all aspects. She readily finds the positive in all people and situations. She is an exceptional leader, facilitates IEP meetings and even in the most difficult situations, can bring the team together to a positive outcome for students. I strive to achieve the qualities that I see daily in Rachel. She is an exceptional person and school psychologist. I consider it an honor to work with her and value her ideas, work and dedication to all immensely. She is truly a gift to our cooperative team.” Her speech/language pathologist, Michelle Hahn, reflected that “Rachel was instrumental in guiding me through the legal, procedural, and daily practices that included an ever-growing list of unfamiliar acronyms such as MDT’s, NOM’s, and PWN’s which I had not encountered in the medical setting. I even started a running list, which is still posted in my office of “Rachel says” rules for documentation, such as “Rachel says never say “as needed” in a report, you must be specific.” Or “Rachel says you must get the NOM out in 10 days.” These may sound pretty basic, but this is where the development of great professionals begin. Rachel has the ability to complete her professional duties on a daily basis, as well as staying on top of the latest research on evidence-based practices, while never losing sight of working with and for the students. From a final coworker: A foundation holds up and supports a building. Rachel is that foundation. She has always been there to support myself and others when we were struggling within the world of special education. She never fails to provide encouragement and guidance. Rachel, on behalf of KASP, thank you for your dedication, your ability to embrace life-long learning, as well as your ability to empower children and youth in their journey throughout life. Congratulations on being selected as the 2017 KASP School Psychologist of the Year. | Taking from the experiences of our professionals and the mouth of babes: The speech pathologist was working with a kindergartener and trying to work on negatives. The child had worn camouflaged pants to school, so she thought she would compare her khaki pants to those of the student. The conversation was as follows: SLP: You have on camo pants and I have on khaki pants. I do NOT have camo pants. Student: I like my camo pants. Your pants are nice too. SLP: Yes, I like your camo pants too. I do NOT have camo pants. YOU have camo pants, I do NOT have camo pants. Student: My daddy bought me my camo pants. SLP: That was nice of your daddy to buy you camo pants, but I do NOT have camo pants. You have camo pants, but I do NOT have camo pants. Student: Well, you KNOW you can go to the store and buy your OWN camo pants you know! ________________________ The speech pathologist was working with another Kindergartener on the concepts of big and little. She held her hand up and had the student put his hand against her hand. The conversation went as follows: SLP: My hand is BIG. Your hand is LITTLE. They are different sizes: BIG and LITTLE. Student: I want to go back to class. SLP: We'll go back to class in a minute. We're working on BIG and LITTLE. Now, my hand is BIG and your hand is LITTLE. What size is my hand? Student: Well, I can tell you something. SLP: What can you tell me? Student: I can tell you what you can do with you BIG hand! End of Session |
