Get School Psych'd

Hello LSSPs,

Happy Spring!

I know spring is an incredibly busy time of year, but I hope you take time for yourself, your family, and your friends. Have y'all started the countdown to summer yet?

The legislative session has started! Education is usually one of the top areas of concern and this year seems no different. There are some interesting proposed bills related to suspension, discipline, and restraint.

If you are interested in following what is going on in education in the legislature, you can look up various bills and request progress notifications at the link below.

https://capitol.texas.gov/Search/TextSearch.aspx

As the decisions are made and laws passed, I will try to keep y'all updated!

Please reach out if you have any questions or concerns.

Keep on being School Psych'd!

Latisha Stephenson, LSSP, NCSP

Region 10 Educational Service Center

April is Autism Acceptance Month, a time dedicated to promoting acceptance, inclusion, and understanding of individuals on the autism spectrum. As school psychologists, we can play a crucial role in creating a positive and supportive environment for students with autism by providing education and resources for teachers, staff, and students. We can also collaborate with families and outside professionals to ensure that students receive the appropriate support and accommodations to thrive in school and beyond. It's important to recognize that autism is a natural variation of the human experience, and to celebrate the unique strengths and abilities of individuals on the autism spectrum. By promoting acceptance and understanding, we can help create a more inclusive and welcoming community for all.

April is also recognized as National Child Abuse Prevention Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about child abuse and promoting prevention efforts. As school psychologists, we play a crucial role in identifying and addressing child abuse, whether it be physical, emotional, or sexual abuse, or neglect. We can provide support and resources for students who have experienced abuse or are at risk, as well as education for parents and caregivers on healthy parenting practices. By working together, we can help create safe and nurturing environments for all children, and prevent the devastating effects of child abuse.

https://www.childwelfare.gov/topics/preventing/preventionmonth/resources/conversation-guides/

HOORAY!!!

Today, April 13, 2023, the Texas State Board of Examiners for School Psychologists unanimously voted to adopt Rule 465.38, Psychological Services for Schools to change the title of LSSP! There were over 1,000 public comments in favor of the change and NONE opposing! They have never received so many comments before. The Board was so supportive of this change and one member stated all the public comments were overwhelming! Keep up the good work!

Does this mean we can call ourselves school psychologists? No, but we are so close! TSBEP will send the adopted rule to BHEC, for them to review and vote on in May. We are also still waiting for an opinion from the governor's office.

We are so close! The BHEC meeting is on May 23, 2023 and can be watched live through a Zoom link.

The on demand book study for It's Always About the Children by Charles Barrett is live!

Follow the link below to the book study. Or you can login to Online Learning on the Region 10 website and search in the catalog for Book Study: It's Always About the Children.

We have several books to give away. If you would like a copy, please complete the form below. Winners will be randomly selected on April 18th!

For 2023-2024, we will have the Ethics session in the morning, and a diversity session in the afternoon. The following dates for Ethics and Diversity have been scheduled. The sessions will be on the Region 10 calendar soon!

September 5th

October 4th

November 14th

January 10th

February 21st

**April TBA

Topics are pending!

If you have any questions or need support in your campus/district, give me a shout!

Email: latisha.stephenson@region10.org
Website: www.region10.org/programs/evaluation-special-education/overview/
Location: 904 Abrams Road, Richardson, TX, USA
Phone: 972-348-1450