Good Reading and Research
Collected Works from the Get School Psych'd Newsletter
Quick Breakdown
Have something to share? Email me a link and I'll be happy to add it.
Keya Saleh, LSSP Consultant
Region 10 ESC
Table of Contents
Book Recommendations
Classroom Management
Disabilities
Equity and Social Justice
Inspirational
Instruction
Mindfulness
Neuropsychology
Psychology
Resources
School Safety
Social and Emotional Learning
Suicide and Self-Harm
Technology
TED Talks
Trauma Informed Care
Book Recommendations
Think Again: The Power of Knowing What You Don't Know by Adam Grant
Adam Grant is an organizational psychologist at the University of Pennsylvania. I always find myself enjoying his work (podcasts, TED Talks) and this newest book is no exception. As a knowledge sector professional and a human being, this book served as a great reminder about maintain intellectual curiosity and flexibility in the face of improved information.
The Answer Is...Reflections on My Life by Alex Trebek
Those who know me well know I am a Jeopardy! The memoir covers personal milestones, behind the scenes of the show, and fun reflections that will have you hearing the hosts voice in your head.
It's Always About the Children by Charles Barrett
From Dr. Charles Barrett, an amazing School Psychologist, comes a wonderful dive into the his expertise and experience. Charles is a wonderful speaker, writer, and psychologist who brings to life his examples and offers great reflections to help you improve your practices.
The Paradox of Choice by Barry Schwartz
In his book, Psychologist Barry Schwartz takes aim at a central tenet of western societies: freedom of choice. In Schwartz's estimation, choice has made us not freer but more paralyzed, not happier but more dissatisfied.
A People's History of the United States by Howard Zinn
A dense read in both content and size (over 600 pages) Howard Zinn's work gives a heavy, powerful look into our history from the perspectives of the individual.
The Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg
I read a lot of books that get me to think about things differently. I sometimes read books that help me to act differently. This book by Dr. Duhigg accomplishes both. Looking at the neuroscience of human behavior and habit formation, Dr. Duhigg offers interesting ideas and strategies for improving the habits of individuals, organizations, and even nations. Big recommendation for this one.
Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind by Yuval Noah Harari
A good friend of mine recommended this book to me (so much so that he let me borrow his copy) and while I am not quite finished yet, it has been a great read so far. Dr. Harari brings an interesting lens to the evolution of the cultures and societies of humankind.
The School Psychologist as Counselor: A Practitioner's Handbook, 2nd Edition by Cynthia Plotts and Jon Lasser
I am cheating a bit here, as I am not done with the book, but it is packed full of excellent, current information to support counseling supports that LSSPs can provide. From direct counseling of individual students to systems support, this book has something for everyone looking to expand their counseling game.
The School Psychologists Survival Guide by Dr. Rebecca Branstetter, The Thriving School Psychologist herself.
Sometimes it is good to get back to basics, and this is a good well to come back to. The Survival Guide includes well written and timelessly useful tips and tricks for managing all of the aspects of the work of School Psychology. Whether a refresher for you or a gift to an early career professional, Dr. Branstetter's guide provides some good value, and more than a couple of laughs.
Talking to Strangers by Malcolm Gladwell
I am a Gladwell fanatic and have not put this book down since it showed up in my mailbox. Exploring interesting facets of the human condition through incredible storytelling, Talking to Strangers is another great read from Gladwell.
Think Like a Freak: The Authors of Freakonomics Offer to Retrain Your Brain by Steven Levvitt and Stephen Dubner
TLAF provides a wonderful breakdown of the thought processes of a 'freak' through both real-life examples and science and research. If you are looking for some novel ideas for problem solving, the Freakonomics family of books is great option.
Unequal City: Race, Schools, and Perceptions of Injustice by Carla Shedd
Drawing from the lived experiences of youth across four Chicago-based schools, Dr. Shedd provides a rich, in-depth examination of race, geography, and inequity built within the educational system.
This 'When-To' book shares some really interesting ideas that have made me stop, think and question things in a way few books in recent memory have. From when to be productive to when to have surgery, Dan Pink mixes engaging storytelling with hard data to share the secret of when you can get things done.
Without Conscience by Robert Hare
From the developer of one of the original assessments of Psychopathy, Dr. Hare shares his experience and research in a fairly quick read. While some of the book is a bit dated, overall there is some fascinating material to reflect on.
The Whole Brain Child: 12 Revolutionary Strategies to Nuture Your Child's Developing Mind by Daniel Siegel and Tina Payne Bryson
Taking incredibly powerful information about the brain and presenting it in a coherent, structured manner for parents and educators alike, The Whole Brain Child delivers on its promise of effective strategies for children.
Payoff: The Hidden Logic That Shapes Our Motivations by Dan Ariely
I love the writings of Dr. Ariely, particularly Predictably Irrational, so it was no surprise that I found Payoff to be very enjoyable. In some ways it felt like a refresher, but if you have not read his past works, Payoff is a quick read on some big ideas of behavioral economics.
Classroom Management
An understanding of natural human interests gives teachers tools for overcoming students' reluctance to learn.
Our Region's own Chelsie Stout provides a wonderful video tour of a cool down corner and how it can be implemented effectively.
Developing Stronger Teacher-Student Connections
Great article with concrete ideas about ways to build and improve relationships with students.
Discipline vs Punishment: How to Punish (and Not to Punish) Teen Boys
Rosalind Wiseman shares some great tips about how to be effective with discipline.
Getting Students to Log-in: A Matter of Great Consequence
A quick intervention breakdown from Dr. Ennio Cipani to possibly address attendance and engagement with distance learning.
High Probability Practices: Using Adult Behavior to Affect Student Success
A recording of Dr. Terry Scott presenting on effective adult behaviors at the 2019 New Educators Conference hosted by the Indiana IEP Resource Center.
In this video series, Edutopia explores how educators can guide all students, regardless of their developmental starting points, to become productive and engaged learners.
How Strengthening Relationships with Boys Can Help Them Learn
Mindshift article about the challenges in developing authentic emotional relationships and how to support the emotional developments of boys in schools.
More Educators Adopting Restorative Discipline Practices
NEA article with first hand accounts from teachers about the use and implementation of RP in their schools.
Teaching Isn't About Managing Behavior
From The Atlantic's On Teaching series, Chris Emdin discusses the concept of reality pedagogy and what is means for managing a classroom.
The Key to Classroom Management
Educational Leadership article from the Marzano's to show how using research-based strategies combining appropriate levels of dominance and cooperation and an awareness of student needs, teachers can build positive classroom dynamics.
Disabilities
Anxiety Disorders and Risk for Suicidal Ideation and Suicide Attempts
The Relationship Between Anxiety Disorders and Suicide Attempts
A pair of journal articles (NIH and JAMA) discussing the results of studies looking at the relationship between Anxiety Disorders and Suicide Ideation and Attempts.
Dr. Peter Vermeulen of Autism in Context provides a wonderful little article for the Autism Advocate Parenting Magazine about supporting the cultivation of happiness for children with Autism and their families.
Breaking Stereotypes of Autism & Learning Life Through Theater
A students' powerful story of overcoming the challenges of being diagnosed on the Autism spectrum and how she found her voice.
The Difference Between Worry, Stress, and Anxiety
A NYT piece about tips for defining and addressing worry, stress, and anxiety.
Emotional Regulation for Kids With ADHD
Edutopia article with six brain-based strategies to help kids with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder build confidence, engagement, and focus.
The Link Between August Birthdays and ADHD
A New York Times article discussing the results of this recent study published in the New England Journal of Medicine and issues surrounding early childhood academic expectations and diagnostic criteria concerns for ADHD.
New report links smartphones and social media to stress among teens
Video from TODAY about a new report released Monday suggests that increasing smartphone and social media use could be contributing to mental health issues among teens, including depression, anxiety, stress and poor self-esteem.
Three Effective Ways to Challenge Anxious Thoughts
In this video from Guilford Press, Peter Norton, co-author of The Anti-Anxiety Program, discusses three effective ways to challenge anxious thoughts.
Understanding Anxiety in Children and Teens
This 2018 Children’s Mental Health Report looks at how widespread these disorders are, how they develop, and the risks of untreated anxiety.
What is Sensory Processing Disorder?
New York Times Parent article about sensory processing disorder including excerpts from interviews with psychologists, OTs, and developmental pediatricians.
Why Many Autistic Girls Are Overlooked
Article from the Child Mind Institute examining some of the challenges with under-diagnosis of girls and young women with ASD.
Equity and Social Justice
3 Ways School Psychologists Can Take Action to Fight Racism
Dr. Branstetter from the The Thriving School Psychologists Collective with an excellent article on steps to take as a school psych to address systemic racism.
Avoiding Racial Equity Detours
An Educational Leadership Journal piece by Paul Gorski from the Equity Literacy Institute on 'Equity Detours' and ways to address them in our systems.
This Edweek editorial gives a quick highlight on Chris Emdin's NYT best seller and talks about the value of its principles for all schools.
The Harmful Ableist Language You Unknowingly Use
From the BBC: Some of our most common, ingrained expressions have damaging effects on millions of people – and many of us don't know we're hurting others when we speak
Momentous Institute blog post that digs into some of the differences in terminology related to gender and biological sex.
Long-Term Reduction In Implicit Race Bias: A Prejudice Habit Breaking Intervention
NIH Public Access article on the long term positive effects of explicit instruction in addressing implicit bias.
Nine Ways To Ensure Your Mindfulness Teaching Practice Is Trauma-Informed
Wonderful piece by this NPR affiliate about steps you can take to address students experience with trauma when utilizing Mindfulness practices.
Teachers More Likely To Label Black Students As Troublemakers, Stanford Research Shows
Stanford psychologists Jennifer Eberhardt and Jason Okonofua experimentally examined the psychological processes involved when teachers discipline black students more harshly than white students.
To Create a Conversational Safe Space, Begin with Listening Skills
Matthew Kay, middle school teacher and author of Not Light, But Fire: How to Lead Meaningful Race Conversations in the Classroom shares three discussion guidelines he uses in his classroom to establish the conversational safe space.
‘Where are the Black girls in our CSA services, studies and statistics?’
A researcher explores why Black girls and women's experience of child sexual abuse is often missed, and provides suggestions for social workers and leaders to improve practice.
Will A New Law Banning Suspensions For ‘Willful Defiance’ Hurt Or Help African American Students?
African American students are much more likely to be suspended from school than are white students. Will California's new law make things better or worse?
Inspirational
8 Must-See Movies for Special Education Teachers
Quick list of some movies that features individuals with disabilities in prominent or leading roles.
Taraji P. Henson Shines A Light on Mental Health Crisis Among African American Teens
A wonderful Today Show video story about acctress Taraji P. Henson's foundation that helps provide resources and education around mental health to African American students in schools across the country.
Thank you to ... the librarian who saved my life before I knew it needed saving
A Guardian series where writers celebrate a person who changed their lives. Kerry Hudson remembers the librarian who was always a kind, constant, gentle presence.
Instruction
Scientific Research On How To Teach Critical Thinking Contradicts Education Trends
This Hechinger Report article dives into questions about teaching critical thinking skills and how to improve the practice.
The Predictive Power of Ninth-Grade GPA
Research report from the University of Chicago Consortium on School Research on the value of grades in their predictive power of student outcomes.
Alice Keeler writes a fun article about how to look at ways to use technology and collaboration to improve student engagement with the most dreaded of lessons - Fractions! Not a math teacher? Read it anyway to stretch your thinking on relevant instruction.
Why Deeply Diving Into Content Could Be the Key to Reading Comprehension
NPR affiliate article about the power of using a focus on content knowledge can have a big impact on reading skills.
Mindfulness
5 Steps for Bringing Mindfulness to Your Classroom
Ed Week article about specific steps to take for implementing mindfulness practices into your classroom.
50 Cognitive Biases in the Modern World
Beautiful infographic with some great examples of cognitive biases that impact our lives.
A brief blog post from the Momentous Institute about ways to provide or improve a calm down space in the classroom.
A veteran English teacher reflects on the value of 'thank you' and an attitude of gratitude.
Four School Psychologist Burnout Traps and How to Avoid Them
Another great installment of the School Psyched Podcast (no affiliation) including Dr. Rebecca Branstetter talking about avoiding burnout.
A Meditation on Your Self-Critical Voice
A guided meditation to get familiar with self-judgments and how we relate to our flaws, so that you can cultivate compassion and recognize your own worthiness.
How Self-Compassion Can Help Teens De-Stress
Article from the Greater Good Science Center at UC-Berkeley on how learning mindfulness and self-compassion can help teens cope.
The Center for Healthy Minds (University of Wisconsin-Madison Research Group) shares some quick strategies for mindfulness and self-care.
Neuropsychology
Research paper from the Frontiers in Psychology journal that looks at the challenge of the 'stickiness' of various myths about the brain and learning.
Psychology
My Thoughts On The Work-Life Balance of a School Psychologist
The Calming Corner (A School Psychology Blog) shares some thoughts and strategies for committing to self-care and balance for the New Year and beyond.
Many of us may be asking ourselves how, when people disagree with or discount us, we can persuade them to rethink their positions. This Harvard Business Review article offers some approaches that can help you encourage a know-it-all to recognize when there’s something to be learned, a stubborn colleague to make a U-turn, a narcissist to show humility, and a disagreeable boss to agree with you.
Want an easy way to brighten another person’s day? Offer them specific, heartfelt praise, says educator Cheryl Ferguson.
From the Hidden Brain podcast, this episode centers around an interview with linguist Deborah Tannen about how our conversational styles can cause unintended conflicts, and what we can do to communicate more effectively with the people in our lives.
Resources
Check-in/Check-out: Providing a Daily Support System for Students
Edutopia has a wonderful video model of how a campus wide system for check-in and check-out for students needing supporting can be implemented and impact at-risk student groups.
Dallas Eating Disorder Treatment Center
An eating disorder center in Dallas, TX, dedicated to helping people reclaim control over their lives through comprehensive behavioral healthcare and dietary support.
National Professional Development Center on Autism Spectrum Disorders
The goal of the NPDC is to promote the use of evidence-based practices (EBPs) for children and youth with Autism Spectrum Disorders, birth to 22 years of age.
Collection of great resources for parents of children with disabilities from the Region 2 Educational Service Center.
Texas Statewide Leadership for Autism Training
TSLAT is a collaborative effort of the 20 regional ESCs to develop and provide training, support, and resources for educators serving students with autism.
The Innovators' Compass is a cool resource for organizing your information about problem solving. This can be a valuable resource for students, teachers, or yourself.
Understanding ACEs for Parents: English and Spanish
The ACEs connection website shares some free handouts on supporting parents in growing their understanding of trauma.
School Safety
A Framework for Safe and Successful Schools
NASP Resource page that includes a plethora of information about how organize and implement an effective practice for school safety.
Social and Emotional Learning
The ABC's of Distance Learning
School psychologist Dr. Rebecca Branstetter talks to D.C. FOX 5's Angie Goff about the ABC's of distance learning and how to make things less stressful for all of us.
Helping Children Understand Emotions When Wearing Masks
A 1 pager resource from the National Center for Pyramid Model Interventions (which is, IMO, the best name of an organization of all time) that discusses ways to support connecting with students when face masks are impairing our ability to convey nonverbals.
In Uncommon Times, Uncommon Sense is Best
From Project Achieve, Dr. Howie Knoff's wonderful blog, comes an excellent article on identifying students with Back-to-School SEL and behavioral needs.
Kindness Vs. Cruelty: Helping Kids Hear The Better Angels Of Their Nature
NPR article about the complicated nature of kindness and the barriers to empathy.
The Let's Try Box: A New Tool for Regulation
A great strategy for supporting co-regulation of emotion with students.
The Psychological Impact of COVID-19
A Psychology Today interview with Dr. Joy Osofsky on social and psychological effects
Stress in America 2020 Survey Signals a Growing National Mental Health Crisis
American Psychological Association sounds alarm about potential long-term impacts for Gen Z; offers ways people can better cope during uncertainty
Committee for Children article from an AISD teacher who developed a program for at-risk high schoolers.
Teaching Self-Regulation in the Early Grades
Self-Regulation is a critical executive function and needs to be addressed as early as possible, learn some simple practices and strategies to support Self-Regulation in early education.
Angela Duckworth, author of Grit, shares some thoughts about empathy and perspective taking on her site, Character Lab.
The Surprising Mental Toll of COVID
From the Scientific American, the rise in depression and anxiety is even worse than expected, especially among young adults.
Video: Hand Model Visual for Explaining the Brain
Dr Daniel Siegel presenting a model of the brain explained using only your hand. A great example of a visual you can provide to students to help them visual and address when they are 'flipping their lid'.
Want Your Students to Be Kinder? Try This Assignment
7th grade language arts teacher Justin Parmeter shares a wonderful activity he created to practice compassion.
Why Teens Should Understand Their Own Brains (And Why Their Teachers Should, Too!)
NPR article/interview with author Sarah-Jayne Blakemore about the teenage brain.
Suicide and Self-Harm
The mental health of students, and teachers, has moved to the forefront for Texas schools
Language Matters: Why We Don't Say "Committed Suicide"
Blog Post from International Risk Management International on the importance of the language we use when discussing suicide
Resources to Stop Texas Suicides
Flyer from Texas Suicide Prevention with apps and resources for crisis response and professional development related to suicide
Texas HHS Suicide Prevention Resources
Information on Suicide Prevention and Crisis Response from the Texas Department of Health and Human Services
Technology
A New Way for Therapists to Get Inside Heads: Virtual Reality
A NYT article exploring the use of VR hardware and apps to implement exposure therapy for anxiety and PTSD.
Scientific American article looking at a meta-analysis on the impact on social media on well-being with some interesting results.
TED Talks
Alice Goffman - How We're Priming Some Kids for College...And Others For Prison
In the United States, two institutions guide teenagers on the journey to adulthood: college and prison. Sociologist Alice Goffman spent six years in a Philadelphia neighborhood and saw first-hand how teenagers of African-American and Latino backgrounds are funneled down the path to prison — sometimes starting with relatively minor infractions. In an impassioned talk she asks, "Why are we offering only handcuffs and jail time?"
Brene Brown - Listening To Shame
Shame is an unspoken epidemic, the secret behind many forms of broken behavior. Brené Brown, whose earlier talk on vulnerability became a viral hit, explores what can happen when people confront their shame head-on. Her own humor, humanity and vulnerability shine through every word.
Olympia Della Flora - Creative Ways to Get Kids To Thrive In School
To get young kids to thrive in school, we need to do more than teach them how to read and write -- we need to teach them how to manage their emotions. In this practical talk, educator Olympia Della Flora shares creative tactics she used to help struggling, sometimes disruptive students with her existing budget and resources.
The Psychology Behind Irrational Decisions
A wonderful TED animated short about some of the psychological phenomena that lead us to bad decision making heuristics.
Rita Pierson, a teacher for 40 years, once heard a colleague say, "They don't pay me to like the kids." Her response: "Kids don't learn from people they don't like.'" A rousing call to educators to believe in their students and actually connect with them on a real, human, personal level.
Robert Waldinger - What Makes A Good Life? Lessons From The Longest Study On Happiness
What keeps us happy and healthy as we go through life? If you think it's fame and money, you're not alone – but, according to psychiatrist Robert Waldinger, you're mistaken. As the director of a 75-year-old study on adult development, Waldinger has unprecedented access to data on true happiness and satisfaction. In this talk, he shares three important lessons learned from the study as well as some practical, old-as-the-hills wisdom on how to build a fulfilling, long life.
Stephan Dombrowski - The Dark History of IQ Tests
Dr. Stephan Dombrowski and TED-Ed bring us a great reminder about the history of our field related to IQ theory and assessment.
Sydney Jensen - How Can We Support The Emotional Well-Being Of Teachers?
Teachers emotionally support our kids -- but who's supporting our teachers? In this eye-opening talk, educator Sydney Jensen explores how teachers are at risk of secondary trauma and shows how schools can get creative in supporting everyone's mental health and wellness.
Trauma Informed Care
12 Myths of the Science of ACEs
A blog post from the ACEs Connection some of the common misunderstandings related to the Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) studies.
‘For-Now Parents’ and ‘Big Feelings’: How Sesame Street Talks About Trauma
Atlantic article about some of the ways Sesame Street is using their program to address some of the unique challenges related to childhood traumatic experiences.
For kids who face trauma, good neighbors or teachers can save their long term health
Brief article from the medical express about ACEs and factors that can counteract their impacts.
Fostering Resilience and Recovery: A Change Package
A free resource from the National Council for Behavioral Health that provides a framework for implementing research based trauma informed practices.
Grownup Stress Is Hitting Kids Hard
Children dealing with their own issues also bear the frustration and fears of the adults closest to them.
The A List with Alison Lebovitz sits down with childhood trauma expert, and senior fellow at the Child Trauma Academy, Dr. Bruce Perry.
Understanding ACEs for Parents: English and Spanish
The ACEs connection website shares some free handouts on supporting parents in growing their understanding of trauma.
Understanding Trauma-Informed Education
Edutopia article featuring the principal of an internationally recognized trauma-informed school who explains what this form of education is—and what it isn’t.
Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) can have incredible impacts on children and their learning, but are frequently ignored or misrepresented. Take a quick dive into what ACEs are, the challenges they create, and how to address them.
Great article on the power of memoir writing as a tool for processing trauma.
Keya Saleh, LSSP, NCSP
Email: keya.saleh@region10.org
Website: https://www.region10.org/programs/evaluation-special-education/overview/
Location: 904 Abrams Road, Richardson, TX, USA
Phone: 972-348-1598
Twitter: @getschoolpsychd