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School Psychologists, Insights, Administrators, Professional Development

6 Tips for Effectively Planning Professional Development and Making the Most of Your Professional Development Time

In the world of education, the significance of professional development cannot be overstated. As a Special Education Director, you shoulder the responsibility of overseeing effective professional...

School Psychologists, Insights, Administrators

How to Maximize Onboarding for Special Education Team Members: The Importance of Training and Coaching

As a Special Education Director, you want your special education team to be fully staffed with team members who become rock stars in their schools and their work with students, families, and other...

Families, School Psychologists, Insights, Administrators

Professional Development Planning For Special Education Directors: Challenges and Solutions

As a Special Education Director, your list of critical responsibilities is a long one—including leading, managing, and supporting your team in meeting the needs of students with disabilities. One of...

Families, School Psychologists, Insights, Administrators

Building a Strong Special Education Team: Hiring, Training, and Professional Development

As a Special Education Director, fostering an inclusive and supportive learning environment for all students is at the heart of your responsibilities. A crucial aspect of achieving this goal is...

Families, School Psychologists, Insights, Administrators

Simple ways to foster closer home-school collaboration

Home-school collaboration refers to school staff, students and families working together to improve students’ academic, social and emotional outcomes.

School Psychologists, Insights, Administrators

How school psychologists can support executive functioning in students

Executive functioning has been the subject of extensive research over the years. We now know more than we ever have about the ways our brains regulate, manage, and organize both complex and simple...

School Psychologists, Insights, Administrators

What to know before assessing students for mental health needs

We recently addressed the why, the when, and the how of mental health assessments, as well as other evidence-based practices in school psychology. But school psychologists, administrators and other...

News, Insights

Recapping NASP 2023 Annual Convention

Every year, the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) holds its Annual Convention, an event that allows school psychologists from all over the country to gather for learning...

Insights, Administrators

School-based mental health programs: How the Safer Communities Act is making an impact

How systems work — and who they serve — is just as important as where money flows

School Psychologists, Insights, Administrators

Why, when, and how should schools perform mental health assessments?

Even if we know mental health support is essential to the work we do with school kids, it can be hard for school principals and directors, and even psychologists, to gauge exactly when to do formal...

School Psychologists, Insights

School psychologists and ethics: What do you do when you get stuck?

We want to do right as school psychologists – but when it comes to ethical considerations, it is easy to find ourselves in hard-to-navigate places.

Families, Insights

How do I know when to request a psychoeducational evaluation?

The evaluation and assessment process is how school psychologists and other members of a child’s support team know both that they need specialized support – and exactly what kind of support they’ll...

School Psychologists, Insights

How the project-based service model benefits school psychologists

The project-based service model is a new and innovative way to practice school psychology that is responsive to the changing needs of psychologists, students, and schools. In this model, school...

Families, School Psychologists, Insights

Why virtual pocket coaching is a strong parent resource

There’s plenty of discussion about the support offered to kids through telehealth. But can parents receive support with virtual coaching, too? We’ve written before about the benefits of virtual...

Insights, Administrators

6 ways project-based school psychology services are better than a traditional service model

Within a project-based service model, school psychology support is delivered on an as-need, site-specific basis, rather than the traditional one-size-fits-all approach. This means that services like...

School Psychologists, Insights

For school psychologists, there’s power in collaborative report-writing

It’s estimated that school psychologists spend more than 7 hours a week, on average, writing reports. And it’s a safe bet that most of them are looking for more effective and impactful ways to convey...

Insights, Administrators

3 savvy ways to shape your professional development budget

School administrators are adept at resourceful uses of their budgets. From a professional development standpoint, it can be a challenge to ensure that team members across the district consistently...

Families, Insights

Will virtual autism therapy (including virtual ABA therapy) benefit my child?

The practice of teletherapy has risen in prominence in the United States, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic. The question many parents are asking, however, is whether or not this form of remote...

Families, Insights

Parents, here’s how to reduce back-to-school anxiety

Anxiety frequently accompanies the back-to-school season. It’s normal for kids to feel both excited and worried about the return to learning – and for routines to feel different or disrupted.

Families, School Psychologists, Insights, Administrators

There’s an easier way for psychs to have stress-free IEP meetings

Individualized education plans (IEPs) are essential for the success of students with special educational needs, but conveying them can be complicated for school psychologists.

Families, Insights

Why tone and intent matter in developing IEPs

The identification of a learning disability and a subsequent special education plan isn’t always a win-win for kids, especially if an unwanted result is that a child feels “pathologized” or marked...

Families, Insights

6 differences between educational psychology and school psychology

What is educational psychology? For starters, it typically focuses on how learning occurs in school. The educational psychologist observes and studies these from the perspective of behavioral and...

Families, Insights

More than a buzzword: How parents can help kids navigate invisible disabilities

You may or may not have heard of the term invisible disability, and what falls under its umbrella – especially when it comes to specific learning disabilities (SLD) – can be unclear.

Families, School Psychologists, Insights, Administrators

Special education and online learning: What’s the verdict?

Over the past two years, there’s been a considerable amount of concern about the impact of remote and online learning on students’ academic and social-emotional development. But what about students...

Families, Insights

Would applied behavior analysis (ABA) work for my child?

For a considerable number of parents who have heard of ABA, the practice comes with certain connotations attached to it. But nonetheless, it is deserving of a second look, with a variety of use cases...

School Psychologists, Insights

Managing post-COVID anxiety in educational settings: Four thoughts for school psychologists

To make an incredible understatement, this has been quite the past two years for students and school staff.

Families, Insights

How strength-based assessments help students discover growth areas

The strength-based assessment approach turns a long-standing assumption on its head: that the only way kids will improve in the classroom, and even in areas like behavior or social engagement, is by...

Families, Insights

Psyched Thoughts: 10 Common School Psychology Terms Clinicians Use

To those who are unfamiliar with the industry, it can often seem like school psychologists and other professionals speak a language all their own when it comes to special education, support...

School Psychologists, Insights

Every child has potential. School psychology services help them realize it.

Adults don’t go to work and leave their personal lives, problems and feelings at the door. Neither do kids at school.

News, School Psychologists, Administrators

Psyched Services Launches Learning Management System For School Psychologists

Online courses support continuing education and professional development.

News, School Psychologists, Insights

Recapping NASP’s Annual Conference: Lifelong Learning And Inspiring Interactions

Every year, the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) holds its Annual Convention, an event that allows school psychologists from all over the country to gather for learning...

School Psychologists, Insights

A Therapist’s Perspective: The Best Learning Apps for School-Aged Children

Technology has enhanced communication pathways to teachers in school – and parents can support those efforts. Not only can teachers easily monitor their child’s grades and performance at school, but...

Families, Insights

7 Signs Your Child May Need A Psychological Evaluation for ADHD or a Learning Disorder

October is National Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder and Learning Disabilities month. How do you know when it’s time to seek an evaluation for ADHD or a learning disorder?

Families, Insights

How Do I Know If Repeating A Grade Is The Right Choice?

It’s that time of year when parents and teachers start to question whether a struggling student should repeat their grade. If you are a parent reading this, perhaps a friend or someone at the school...

Insights, Administrators

Gender-Inclusive Tips Everyone Should Know

Last summer, we decided as a company to make a radical change in our reports. We decided to use gender-inclusive pronouns for every student in every report as a way to support gender inclusivity and...

School Psychologists, Insights

Returning to School after COVID: Navigating Triennial Evaluations

Formal testing is not legally required for every triennial special education evaluation. So why have many districts automatically required it? Does it always help children? And what new...

News

Covid-19

COVID-19 The field of special education has historically been heavily influenced by the law and most professionals routinely keep abreast of legal updates; however, the global pandemic is challenging...

School Psychologists, Insights, Administrators

Make Your IEP Team Happy with a Collaborative Assessment

Assessment Needs With the perpetual uncertainty of COVID-19, schools are scrambling to keep up with psychoeducational evaluations for special education. School psychologists want to know how to...

Insights, Administrators

General Educator’s Guide to IEPs

Dear General Education Teachers, POP QUIZ! How many students in your classes have an IEP? How many students are being evaluated to see if they should have one? How many students do you think should...

Families, Insights

How to Add Structure to Your Child’s School Break

Lights are twinkling from housetops, humans young and old are donning ugly sweaters, and sweet treats are becoming a primary food group. All signs are pointing to one of the most anticipated times of...

School Psychologists, Insights

Triennial Evaluation: Is Testing Always Needed?

By Psyched Services

School Psychologists, Insights

What is LRE?

Least restrictive environment isn’t just a box to fill out in IEP paperwork, and it isn’t just the law, either. It’s arguably the most meaningful conversation an IEP committee can have, yet it is...

Families, Insights

How Do I Talk To My Child About Their Invisible Disability?

By Alexandra Tomei and Marysa Enis You’ve taken your child to the doctor. You’ve communicated with the school. You’ve filled out a million forms. You’ve answered a million questions. Now, at the end...

Families, Insights

Successfully Advocate for Your Child with these Tips

By Marysa Enis and Amy Shatila School psychologists can’t stand unresolved conflict in schools. Our entire reason for being is to help kids, and when adults bicker, kids get stressed. We work to...

Families, School Psychologists, Insights, Administrators

What is a Pattern of Strengths and Weaknesses?

By Maria Gregory and Marysa Enis What is a Pattern of Strengths and Weaknesses? A pattern of strengths and weaknesses (PSW) is one approach for determining specific learning disabilities (SLD). As...

Families, Insights, Administrators

Is it Autism? Key Assessment Considerations and Tools

By Marysa Enis and Maria Gregory Is it Autism? Sometimes it feels like we are in the dark ages of psychoeducational assessment. We don’t have blood tests or brain scans or genetic tests. We have...

School Psychologists, Insights

In Search of a Strength-Based Approach to Special Education

Outdated and Stigmatizing Systems Here is the final report. It’s weakness-based. Let’s talk at length about what this child can’t do.

Families, Insights

Advocacy and Assessment before Kindergarten

A Parent’s Perspective You may recall our friend Alex from the story Inclusion: A Parent’s Perspective.Today, as Alex prepares for her daughter to enter Kindergarten, she embarks on a new journey —...

School Psychologists, Insights, Administrators

Larry P. v. Riles, Part Two: Culturally Responsive Assessment

By Marysa Enis and Maria Gregory May 2019 School psychologists do a disservice to the field, and more importantly, to children when they fail to acknowledge the realities of how children develop and...

School Psychologists, Insights, Administrators

Is it a Learning Disability in Written Expression?

By Maria Gregory and Marysa Enis An Overlooked Disability It’s high tide in referral season and if you are reading this, chances are you know a student who is being assessed for special education....

Insights, Administrators

Larry P. v. Riles, Part One: Addressing Disproportionality

By Maria Gregory and Marysa Enis March 2019 Disproportionality Then and Now What does disproportionality mean to you? Likely it depends on who you are … and where you are … and what you are. To...

Families, Insights

Inclusion: A Parent’s Perspective

Inclusion refers to the practice of educating children with disabilities alongside their typically developing peers. Read How Inclusive Education Can Benefit Your Child to learn more.

School Psychologists, Insights

Assessment of Learning Disabilities: It’s Not What You Think

By Marysa Enis and Maria Gregory What Is the Best Method for Assessment of LD? Not Everyone Agrees. There are debates brewing about how to assess for learning disabilities, and unless you are a...

Families, Insights

Is Your Student Acting Out Because of Trauma?

By Marysa Enis and Maria Gregory Teachers, chances are there is a student in your class who has been through trauma. And, chances are you don’t even know it. Maybe they aren’t the easiest student to...

Families, Insights

Mindful Parenting

By Maria Gregory and Marysa Enis We’ve been really looking forward to this article. It’s that time of year when even the most mindful of people could use a refresher course on mindfulness. Schedules...

School Psychologists, Insights, Administrators

Inclusive Practices That Work: Tips for Paraprofessionals

Listen up, sped team – we’ve got a challenge for you. Okay yes, we know that challenges are a dime a dozen in your world, but hear us out. This one is different. This one is something you can...

Families, News, School Psychologists, Insights, Administrators

In the Wake of Fire: Caring for California’s Children

By Marysa Enis and Maria Gregory It’s been a traumatic week for California school children. There is no escaping the mood or hazy sky. There is no escaping the ash. At best, students can still go to...

Insights, Administrators

Hanging on to Your School Psychologist in an Era of Shortages

It’s no secret that our nation’s schools are wrought with financial stress. From rapidly changing student populations to daily advancements in research and technology, districts are scrambling to...

Families, School Psychologists, Insights

California Dyslexia Guidelines: Assessment and Intervention

In the first article of this series, we outlined research-based interventions that schools can use to help struggling readers while also following the California Dyslexia Guidelines. We left you with...

Families, School Psychologists, Insights

California Dyslexia Guidelines: What Next?

As many one in five people — male and female alike — have the learning disorder dyslexia, says the Yale Center for Dyslexia & Creativity. The implications are staggering. Research shows that people...

School Psychologists, Insights

Mindfulness in Schools: An Evidenced-Based Approach to Social-Emotional Learning

If your staff is overwhelmed by the sheer number of behavior problems they face every day in the classroom, it might be time to give mindfulness a try. Not only is it affordable, but it is an...

Families, Insights

How Inclusive Education Can Benefit Your Child

For years, students with disabilities were educated largely in separate classrooms or schools. Thanks to legislation that guarantees equal educational opportunities for all children, as well as...

School Psychologists, Insights

5 Best Practices for Bilingual Assessment

Compared with other states, California has the highest number of English Language Learners (ELLs) at 21 percent of the student population. As the number of bilingual students in our public school...

Families, Insights, Administrators

Uncover the Purpose of Challenging Behavior with a Functional Behavior Assessment

While Einstein noted, “The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again, but expecting different results,” it’s easy for parents and teachers to fall into the same pattern when...

Families, School Psychologists, Insights

ABA Techniques for Teaching Social Skills

It is vital for all kids — not just those with exceptional needs — to practice their developing social skills as they grow. While our children with exceptional needs may need more intensive support,...

Families, Insights

Public School vs. Private Evaluation: Which One Fits Your Family’s Needs?

If your child is struggling to meet grade-level expectations and you suspect there may be an undiagnosed disability affecting their learning, you might be weighing the pros and cons of private versus...

Families, Insights

Tackling Toilet Training

If you were to poll hundreds of parents, results would likely show that toilet training kids is one of their least favorite parental responsibilities. Add in a child with developmental delays, and...

Families, Insights

The Silver Lining of Sibling Rivalry and Tips to Reduce It

Whenever your children spend more time together—especially on school breaks and vacations—it increases the odds of tension and full-scale fights regarding anything and everything. As a parent, the...

Families, School Psychologists, Insights

How To Use Visual Checklists

You can never overestimate the power of a plan and structure for all kids, but especially for those that have challenges with executive functioning.

Families, Insights

Are You Or Your Child Struggling? You Name It, ABA Can Improve It

April is Autism Awareness Month! As a way to promote autism awareness and inclusion, the Autism Society declared April National Autism Awareness Month to help every individual with Autism Spectrum...

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