Advocacy – Page 5 – Iowa School Psychologists Association

Department of Education Proposes School Psychologist Role Definition

April 19, 2019April 19, 2019 Leave a comment

Congratulations on your hard work! You have been heard and listened to. The Department of Education is officially expanding the “staff category” in the Common Core of Data to include a separate category to report FTE school psychologists.

That being said the Departments proposed definition needs some work. Here is their proposal: School Psychologists (PSYCH): Professional staff members who analyze and evaluate students’ behavior by measuring and interpreting their intellectual, emotional, and social development, and diagnosing their educational and personal problems.

NASP in collaboration with the GPR committee has crafted an alternative: School Psychologist (PSYCH) Professional staff member who provides direct and indirect support, including prevention and intervention, to evaluate and address students’ intellectual development, academic success, social-emotional learning, and mental and behavioral health.

The window to comment closes on May 8th! So please follow the direction HERE to make your voice heard.

Legislative Update 4-12-19

April 15, 2019April 15, 2019 Leave a comment

Iowa School Psychologists Association
4-12
Legislative Update

Education Spending Bill Ready For Senate Consideration

The Senate Education Appropriations Subcommittee is ready to consider the House approved spending plan for the 2020 fiscal year.

Included in the bill, House File 758, is a new appropriation of $3 million for the establishment of a Children’s Mental Health School Based Training and Support Program.

Of the appropriation, $1.4 is allocated to the area education agencies to provide mental health awareness training for educators and school personnel. $1,400,000 is allocated to the area education agencies in the manner determined by the area education agencies to be used to identify a range of approaches to best meet the mental health needs of students and to strengthen community support for students. Finally $200,000 is allocated to the area education agencies to create a clearinghouse of mental health resources for use by schools and community providers.

Bill of interest:

Legislative Update 4-5-19

April 15, 2019April 15, 2019 Leave a comment

Legislative Update

AEA-Based Mental Health Program Included in House Education Spending Bill

On a vote of 58-38 the House approved that chamber’s education spending plan for the 2020 fiscal year.

Included in the bill is a new appropriation of $3 million for the establishment of a Children’s Mental Health School Based Training and Support Program.

Of the appropriation, $1.4 million is allocated to the area education agencies to provide mental health awareness training for educators and school. $1.4 million is allocated to the area education agencies in the manner determined by the area education agencies to be used to identify a range of approaches to best meet the mental health needs of students and to strengthen community support for students. Finally $200,000 is allocated to the area education agencies to create a clearinghouse of mental health resources for use by schools and community providers.

The bill now moves to the Senate.

Second Procedural Hurdle Arrives at the Statehouse

The so called “second funnel,” the final procedural hurdle for all non-money bills, arrived at the Statehouse with close of business yesterday.

The “second funnel” is date by which Senate files need to be approved by at least one committee in the House and House filed need to be approved by at least one Senate committee to remain eligible for further consideration this legislative session.

Ways and Means, Appropriations and Government Oversight committee bills are not governed by the “funnel” rules.

Bill of interest: