NC Department of Public Instruction - Exceptional Children Division - School Psychology Consultant
Project Description:
The CIDD continues a technical assistance program with the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction, providing technical assistance and any necessary training and support to the Exceptional Children's division, as well as to exceptional children's department directors and school psychologists across the state of North Carolina, on matters pertaining to the practice of school psychology. The primary duties in the technical assistance domain for this year included responding to telephone and email inquiries from school psychologists and exceptional children's directors from school districts across the state on matters pertaining to school psychology and special education policies and procedures. The CIDD has responded to requests for information from school psychologists, psychologists in private practice who contract with school districts, EC directors, and DPI staff. The primary areas of concern have included: appropriate school-based assessment practices for children with a wide range of developmental disabilities; school psychology training, licensure, and practice issues; appropriate educational planning for students with traumatic brain injury; and best practices for assessment and teaching students from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds. We have maintained a registry for school psychologists who have completed the state-prescribed training for working with students who have had traumatic brain injuries, as well.
In addition, we work closely with the North Carolina School Psychology Association (NCSPA) and their Professional Practices Workgroup to research and develop best practice papers that can assist the Department of Public Instruction in developing new policies for best serving students across the state.
We have also been able to provide direct training to school psychologists, exceptional children's directors, and other school personnel on a wide variety of topics this year, through specialized workshops at state and national conferences. Through our training and technical assistance efforts, we have been able to effect statewide change on how children who need special assistance in school are assessed and how their educational goals and objectives are planned.
Keyword(s):
Adolescent Health, Mental/Behavioral Health – Autism, Developmental Disabilities, Mental/Behavioral Health – General , Children, Adolescents, and Young Adults with Special Health Care Needs
Core Function(s):
Performing Research or Evaluation, Developing & Disseminating Information, Continuing Education/Community Training
Area of Emphasis
Education & Early Intervention, Health-Related Activities, Other - Cultural Diversity
Target Audience:
Students/Trainees (long or intermediate trainees), Community Trainees / Short term trainees, Professionals and Para-Professionals, Family Members/Caregivers, Children/Adolescents with Disabilities/SHCN, Legislators/Policy Makers
Unserved or Under-served Populations:
Racial or Ethnic Minorities, Disadvantaged Circumstances, Limited English, Geographic Areas, Rural/Remote
Primary Target Audience Geographic Descriptor:
Single-County, Mulit-County, State
COVID-19 Related Data:
N/A
