A hallmark of the NCSP system has always been its promotion of high quality continuing professional development (CPD). For many years, school psychologists who hold the NCSP have been required to engage in activities designed to maintain, expand, and extend their professional training and skills. To further encourage high quality CPD, the NCSP Board has instituted two new CPD content standards.
Changes to the NCSP Renewal Requirements
Ethical Practice and Legal Regulation of School Psychology CPD Requirement
An additional requirement is that NCSPs must accrue 3 hours of CPD regarding ethical practice and/or the legal regulation of school psychology during each three-year renewal period. Legal regulation of school psychology refers to IDEA, NCLB, Section 504, and similar issues. This requirement may be met with any appropriate CPD activity category.
To help you meet this requirement, NASP offers a 2 hour online CPD module on ethics titled “Making Ethical Decisions in Challenging Situations.” In addition, to meet this requirement, the book, Professional Ethics for School Psychologists: A Problem-Solving Model Casebook, and the chapters on ethics in Volume 6 of Best Practices V can be used for self-study.
NASP- or APA-Approved Provider Requirement
The NASP-Approved Provider System was created to assist school psychologists in obtaining quality professional development. NASP-approved providers must demonstrate that their offerings align with NASP practice guidelines, are provided by qualified professionals, and are intended to enhance professional competencies, skills, or knowledge. A list of approved providers is available. NASP also accepts credits from providers approved by the American Psychological Association (APA).
This additional requirement states that a portion of the 75 CPDs for renewal must be obtained from NASP- or APA-approved providers. The requirement will be phased in gradually. Those renewing in 2010 will need 10 of their 75 CPDs to be from NASP- or APA-approved providers. Each subsequent year, the requirement of approved CPDs will be increased by 5. Therefore, those renewing in 2011 will need 15 approved provider CPDs; those renewing in 2012 will need 20 approved provider CPDs; and those renewing in or after 2013 will need a full 25 of their 75 CPDs to be from approved providers.
For example, if you renew your certification in May 2012, then 20 of your 75 CPDs must be either NASP- or APA-approved.
NASP’s annual convention and summer conferences offer valuable opportunities to earn approved provider CPD credits. In addition, you can utilize NASP’s online CPD Modules. The following modules are NASP-approved:
Questions? Contact the NASP Certification department.
Alaska School Psychologists Association
ASPA Lifetime Achievement Award
Established in 2008, the ASPA Lifetime Achievement Award is awarded for recognition of
distinguished service to the profession of school psychology in Alaska, and to ASPA (typically
one per year).
Award Criteria:
1. Exemplary service to the Association, including long-term contributions to school psychology
in a variety of settings, and influence extending throughout Alaska and beyond.
2. All ASPA members are eligible for this recognition including practicing psychologists,
coordinators, directors, administrators of psychological services, and others. It is in recognition
of distinguished service to the profession of school psychology and recognizes exemplary service
to the Association, long-term contributions to school psychology in a variety of settings, and
efforts that had effects beyond district boundaries, throughout Alaska and the nation.
Eligibility:
Open to all ASPA members, regardless of professional responsibilities.
Nominations:
Nominations must be submitted in writing to ASPA Awards Chair. Nominators are encouraged
to submit materials electronically. Please include AT LEAST THREE (but no more than five)
letters of support no more than one page in length. At least one letter must be from an individual
knowledgeable of the candidate's capabilities and one from an individual who works with the
candidate in a professional setting.
Nomination materials should be submitted to:_ Lawrence Norton, D.Ed.; Mary DuHoux,
Ph.D.
*Nomination Deadline: December 12
Selection:
Selection is by the Awards chair and other individuals appointed by the President. Names
of nominees, plus documentation of their qualifications, are forwarded to the selection
committee. Each committee member votes for the candidates in rank order. A written
notice of the balloting and results is sent to each committee member. The results of the
selection are kept confidential until the award is announced and presented at a general
membership meeting.
Award:
Special engraved plaque, plus Certificate of Life Membership in ASPA.
Recognition:
Feature article in ASPA Review and local media.
The results of the selection are kept confidential until the award is announced at a general
session of the ASPA Spring General Membership Meeting; the award is presented at the ASPA
Spring Social Dinner.
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