| KANSAS ASSOCIATION OF SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGISTS
Empowering Children, Educators, and Families |
Kansas Association of School Psychologists
Spring 2023 Edition
Brittany Reed, Editor Mandy Thomsen, Associate Editor
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Hello everyone, Happy Summer! If your year was anything like mine, a break is well-deserved. I am personally excited to recharge and work with the board members on tasks that we have outlined on our strategic plan. I hope that you enjoyed our Spring virtual convention with Dr. Kilpatrick. It was not only an incredible presentation with valuable information, but it was unique as we had so many attendees that were from out of state as well as from various fields. We know how difficult it is to leave your workplace, take time off, and travel for an in-person convention so we plan on having a virtual Spring convention annually. While virtual conventions are incredibly convenient, there is nothing like seeing colleagues, collaborating, and learning together. We are excited about our Fall convention which will be held in Wichita, KS on October 12th and 13th . Our Thursday keynote speaker is Dr. Matt Burns and Dr. Samuel Ortiz will be leading our Friday workshop. We are looking for presenters for our breakout presentations! If you are interested in presenting, please complete this form by August 4th. Last but certainly not least, we are looking for award nominations. Please click here to see more information. In the meantime, please enjoy your summer. You deserve it! Humbled to be your president, Lina Kitson, Ph.D. NCSP |
Board Minute Summary by Angie Howard, Secretary The KASP Executive Board convened via an online platform on April 18, 2023. The meeting was called to order at 6:00 p.m. and began with review and approval of minutes from the previous meeting. Those in attendance worked to finalize details for the Spring 2023 Virtual Conference. A report and discussion was then provided by the Conference Chair, President, and President elect regarding upcoming convention planning. Reports were also provided by the Executive Manager and Treasurer. The Government and Public Relations chair provided an update and considerations for next steps regarding the passing of HB2322 and provided feedback regarding 2023 Mental Health Advocacy Day. Short reports were then provided by the NASP Delegate, Region Representatives, and Editor, with more extended discussion from these representatives being postponed to the KASP Summer Board Retreat. Brief updates regarding strategic plan work and a transition of leadership for the Work Authorization Committee were also provided. Members of the board confirmed upcoming conference and board meeting dates and the meeting adjourned. |
Report from the Treasurer |
The treasurer report can be found within the Winter 2023 Newsletter. |
KASP hosted our virtual Spring Conference in April, featuring Dr. David Kilpatrick. This workshop focused on Word-Level Reading Problems, and Dr. Kilpatrick provided four jam-packed hours of knowledge in assessment, instruction, and intervention practices for reading. The spring conference was a major hit among school psychologists, teachers, interventionists, and support staff throughout our state and country. We hosted nearly 300 participants! We were thrilled to have had this opportunity to learn from one of the best in the field and would like to thank all of those who registered and attended. Be watching for more information about 2023 Fall Convention, coming to Wichita on October 12th and 13th! |
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We hope you are having a chance to reflect on the recently-completed school year. As you reflect, it may be a good time to take the NASP Self-Assessment Survey. You will need to create a NASP account to complete the survey but the tool will allow you to plan professional development strategies based on your individual needs and practice. The survey can be found here: The KASP Advocacy Team was finally successful in getting the name of the Emotional Disturbance category changed to Emotional Disability. This is the culmination of several years of work with school social workers, legislators, KSDE, and several other stakeholders. The eligibility criteria for this category of disability will not change but, beginning next school year the name will be Emotional Disability. KSDE has introduced a school mental health landing page. The plan is to provide links to resources and professional information pertinent to school-based mental health professionals. The page can be found here. Additionally, KSDE has added a school psych specific listserv to allow information directly from the state department as well as to increase communication within the profession. Sign up for important updates through the school mental health landing page or here. Thank you all for all the calls, emails, and letters that were sent during the recent legislative session. This is an election year. You do not have to be good at public speaking or politically active to be an advocate. By simply voting, you can have a voice in the future of your local community, school board, and state and federal officials. KASP welcomes feedback regarding issues or concerns throughout the state. As we plan advocacy strategies for the upcoming year, we realize that special education funding, medicaid billing practices, access to gender-affirming care, and access to school mental health supports continue to be areas of high need. Reach out to KASP through social media if there are other areas of concern that you believe we should be focused on. |
Kansas Association of School Psychologists (KASP) is approved by the National Association of School Psychologists to offer continuing education for school psychologists. KASP maintains responsibility for the program.
KASP is a NASP approved provider of CPDs. KASP is approved provider #1030
No person will be denied access to or full participation in any KASP program, event or activity on the basis of sex, race, color, national origin, disability, or age.