Phoenix, AZ 85028-3849
(602) 992-0554
(602) 996-2330 (fax)
www.aasp-az.org
aasp-az@scltd.biz
Communication
Chairperson: Barbara Konikowski480-484-3540
The Communications Committee serves as the voice for AASP and includes the sub-committees of the:
- Intervention Newsletter,
- photography,
- the AASP website,
- spokesperson for the organization,
- School Psychology Awareness Week,
- and public relations.
The Communications Committee is the link between AASP Leadership and the AASP Members. The Communications chair manages the website, emails members, and handles questions from the member, and edits the Intervention Newsletter.
If you want to join the Communications Committee, please email Barbara Konikowski.
We welcome input from our readers – articles, story ideas, criticisms, opinions and reactions – and we reserve the right to edit all copy. Your submissions and suggestions will help us to continue to provide a newsletter that is relevant, timely, and responsive to your needs. Summit articles, ideas, and photos to the Intervention Editor, Barbara Konikowski, at bebe_k@cox.net or bkonikowski@susd.org.
Leadership
Chairperson: Jane Ahler
The Leadership Committee was designed to oversee the numerous activities of the AASP Executive Board and our standing committees. Further, the Leadership Committee serves as the Board's Elections Committee to ensure a clear, solid nominations and elections process.
The Leadership Committee is comprised of:
- AASP President, Jane Ahler;
- Past President, Matthew Moix;
- President Elect, Le Knight;
- Secretary, Ron Glazier;
- Treasurer, Elizabeth Danielson;
- and our NASP Delegate, Eva Prince.
Should AASP members have inquiries for the Leadership Committee, please direct them to Jane Ahler.
Professional Standards
Chairperson: Judy Crosby
The function of the Ethics and Professional Standards Committee is to promote high standards of professional practice of school psychologists, in order to accomplish the mission of AASP, i.e., to promote optimal success for all children and youth. This committee works closely with the Professional Development and Advancement Committee. Areas of concern to the Ethics and Standards Committee include the following: professional conduct of school psychologists; preparation program standards and training competencies; supervision of professionals, both in training and in professional practice; credentialing standards; professional practice procedures; research; ethical issues and complaints. It would be wonderful to have assistance from university-affiliated professionals or training supervisors.
The newly adopted State Department of Education certification standards for school psychologists are in the process of implementation. This next year will also bring the completion of the long-awaited Supervisor Certificate, which will encourage school psychologists to become administrators in the areas of student services and special education. This certificate should also improve opportunities for more appropriate supervision of school psychologists.
Child & Family Advocacy
Chairperson: Kathleen Rahn
Advocating for children and families is a major goal of both AASP and NASP. Through our daily work, we are most familiar with advocating for students with special needs and with other challenges to their school and personal success. We can enhance our professional success in this area through increasing our visibility, to let people know that we are available and how we can assist them. Working to support public policy or relevant legislation, such as the IDEIA 2004, is under the purview of this committee. More specifically, our goal for this year is to increase our collaborative participation on committees within the state, i.e., to join forces with other efforts already in progress for children and families. We are working more closely with the Arizona Department of Education on such projects as RTI training and grant components. We attend the bimonthly Special Education Advisory Panel meetings. We have also collaborated with the Az. Psychological Association to coordinate relief efforts and training for Hurricane Katrina victims. Crisis response requires tremendous coordination among agencies across the state and we need to be prepared.
A more specific advocacy goal within Arizona is to increase our cultural competence and relevance of service to our populations, such as to ELL students. Stay tuned for future trainings with this emphasis. Mini-grants will also be offered to encourage our members to focus on meeting the basic needs of students and providing access to mental health services. Parent training institutes are also being discussed. An Interdisciplinary Pupil Personnel Coalition is also being formed to increase our coordination and collaboration on mutual goals within student services. Let us know if you work with a colleague in related fields, such as counseling, social work or nursing, who might participate on this statewide council.
Kathleen Rahn also serves as the NASP SPAN Coordinator. The School Psychology Action Network (SPAN) serves as the communication between NASP and AASP to encourage members’ participation on legislative issues impacting students, their families, and our profession.
Please contact Kathleen Rahn if you have an interest in joining the Child and Family Advocacy Committee and let us know your areas of interest.
Documents:
Professional Development & Advancement
Chairperson: Claudia Weiss(602) 334-7941
The primary responsibilities of the Professional Development and Advancement Committee include:
- Developing regional workshops,
- Assisting with coordination of the Annual Conference,
- Mentoring new professionals to the field and developing a support cadre,
- Managing the NASP CPD approved professional development program,
- Assisting in the development of AASP Best Practices statements,
- Encouraging ongoing professional growth among school psychologists, and
- Recognizing individual accomplishments and outstanding contributions to the field of school psychology.
If you have any questions or comments regarding this committee, please contact Claudia Weiss at cwnaz@yahoo.com or (602) 334-7941.
In 2007 the Arizona Association of School Psychologists became one of the first states to earn Approved Provider status from NASP. Currently, NCSP renewals require that 10 out of be delivered by NASP or APA approved providers.
I welcome any feedback or ideas you may have for improving how we at AASP deliver professional development. As the main person responsible for the administration of the AP program, I have appreciated the ongoing support from NASP as this program expands to include more and more offerings.