CASP Today - Volume 58 - Number 4 - FALL 2008

60th Annual Convention Promises
Great Speakers, Events and More
So much school psychology expertise. So little time. That is the dilemma facing school psychologists as they decide which sessions to attend at the 60th Annual California Association of School Psychologists Convention, to be held March 12-14, 2009, the Riverside Convention Center, Marriott Hotel and Mission Inn.

Assessment of African American Students: A Survey of School Psychologists
Assessment of African-American students has remained an ongoing challenge for school psychologists in California since the 1979 Larry P. v. Riles court decision. The 1989 Larry P. Task Force made specific recommendations for complying with the decision banning the use of standardized intelligence tests with African-American students. Recommendations for alternative assessment methods included becoming familiar with student’s background and culture; evaluating adaptive behavior, classroom performance, and academic achievement; conducting task analysis; and reviewing personal history and development. The Task Force also proposed that district school psychologists meet and collaborate to establish guidelines and assessment procedures. The Lighter Side of School Psychology
By and large, school psychologists are pretty serious folks. Well, I suppose we have to be with our heavy caseloads and the gravity of our work. Yet, many of you are rather funny (I’ve met many of you) and I also know that you have belly laughs behind closed doors after greeting that new parent, or finishing a test with a student, or an encounter with an administrator. So, to help lighten up each other’s day, beginning with this issue of CASP Today, I am starting a new column called “The Lighter Side of School Psychology” featuring your bloopers, blunders, out-takes, and surreal encounters with clients, and others. MORE CASP NEWS

Nominate Outstanding School Psychologists
For Convention 2009 Awards

CLD, Henkin Awards Due December 9
Need a few extra bucks to pay for things like books next year? Want to come to CASP Convention 2009 but are afraid what the VISA bill will look like after it’s over? Time to fill out applications for the Cultural and Linguistic Diversity Scholarship and the Paul Henkin Convention Scholarship. Get Attention for School Psychology Week
Help the Homeless in Your District
At a loss about what to do for California School Psychology Week? Call your district’s homeless coordinator and offer to work on a joint Mini-Grant application. It could be awarded to you in time to commemorate the week, November 10-14. Mentors to be Honored at Convention
Who is that special person who didn’t flinch when you came up with lists and lists of questions when you were an intern? Who was friendly on the phone, despite the fact that you were calling for advice at some insane hour? Who was always there for you – and perhaps still is? Sign Up Today for Winter Conference 2008
Not only does December bring the sound of joyous school psychologists who shout with glee, “Winter break!” it also brings the CASP Winter Conference.

© 2008 California Association of School Psychologists