Press Releases

In This Section

If you are a member of the media in need of information about NASP, school psychology, or are seeking expert sources, please contact Katherine Cowan at 301-347-1665.

  • NASP Offers Resources Related to the One-Year Anniversary of the Uvalde Tragedy

    The anniversary of an act of mass violence, like the shootings at Uvalde Elementary School a year ago, can be both a painful reminder of the horror and heartbreak experienced by the community and a time to spotlight the resilience and steps toward recovery of those directly affected. NASP offers guidance for educators on navigating anniversaries of traumatic events and three additional considerations.

  • NASP Applauds Bicameral, Bipartisan Introduction of Bill to Address Critical Shortages of School Psychologists

    The National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) commends the bill sponsors for their leadership in introducing this legislation, which will improve access to school mental health services for America’s children and youth by encouraging students to pursue a career in school-based mental health.

  • NASP Calls for Reinstatement of the Assault Weapons Ban and Other Gun Safety Laws

    The National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) echoes the anger and grief being expressed by so many across the country at the continued, senseless gun violence that is taking the lives of innocent children and adults. In the last 7 days, there have been four incidents of gun violence on school property that claimed the lives of 12 people and injured seven others. Our thoughts and support are with all of those affected by gun violence, including the shooting that occurred today at the Covenant School in Nashville, Tennessee. But we know this is not enough by any measure.

  • NASP Applauds Investments in President Biden’s FY2024 Budget Request

    The National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) is grateful to see that President Biden's proposed budget for Fiscal Year 2024 seeks to expand on federal investments enacted by Congress in the FY2023 appropriations bill, as well as investments made through the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act.

  • NASP Opposes Censorship in Public Education

    The National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) joins other K–12, higher education, and parent and family organizations expressing deep concern over efforts to misuse parents’ rights as a smokescreen to hobble our public K–12 schools’ and universities’ ability to provide a comprehensive, factual, and inclusive education to all students.

  • Meaghan Guiney Named New Editor of Communiqué

    The National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) is pleased to announce that Meaghan Curran Guiney, PhD, NCSP, has been selected as the editor-elect of Communiqué, NASP’s flagship member publication. Dr. Guiney has begun her term as editor-elect and will assume full editorship July 1, 2023, for a 5-year term.

  • NASP Announces 2023 School Psychologist of the Year and Lifetime Achievement Award Recipients

    The National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) is pleased to announce its most prestigious awards for 2023. Congratulations to Jason A. Pedersen, PhD, NCSP, the 2023 School Psychologist of the Year, and to Shane R. Jimerson, PhD, NCSP, the 2023 Lifetime Achievement Award recipient. These individuals represent the best in school psychology and outstanding commitment to the profession and to improving the lives and learning of children and youth.

  • NASP Applauds Bipartisan Safer Communities Act

    The National Association of School Psychologists applauds the passage of the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, which represents a critical breakthrough in efforts to prevent gun violence in this country. The small but significant improvements to existing gun laws, combined with critical funding to support increased access to mental health services and violence prevention initiatives will save lives. We commend the Senators and Representatives who worked to craft and pass this bipartisan package, and look forward to President Biden signing the bill into law.

  • NASP Adopts Resolution Regarding Policing in Schools

    NASP has adopted the “Resolution on Policing in Schools.” This resolution is the result of 2 years of research analysis, input from NASP members and other groups with diverse perspectives, and careful deliberation among NASP’s governance groups. The purpose of this resolution is to more clearly communicate NASP’s official policies, consistent with the research and with our ethical obligations to advocate for social justice and equity as part of our school safety expertise.

  • NASP Calls on Congress to Pass Gun Safety Legislation

    In an open letter to Congress, published in USA Today, NASP calls on legislators to pass gun safety laws. We stand together with our partners as educators, principals, school staff, parents, health professionals, and professional associations to say, “No more!” The answer is to pass legislation now to promote gun safety and increase rigorous research on gun violence.

  • NASP Urges Support for Psychological Safety in Schools, Calls for Action to Reduce Gun Violence

    National Association of School Psychologists joins millions of others around the world in expressing our profound grief and anger that, yet again, we are responding to another senseless school shooting.

  • NASP Obtains Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) Recognition as an Accrediting Organization

    NASP is pleased to be officially recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) as an accrediting organization for specialist level and doctoral level degree programs in school psychology. CHEA represents the highest standard for professional organizations that review and accredit programs. Participation in this process encourages both continued improvement and accountability to the public and validates NASP’s program review process.

  • Letter from President Laurie Klose Regarding NASP’s Position on the Use of Police in Schools

    Several individuals have circulated an open letter regarding NASP’s position on the use of police in schools. In response, Laurie writes to clarify the process undertaken since the fall of 2020 to engage the Policing in Schools task force, NASP Board of Directors (BoD), and the Leadership Assembly (LA) on this topic.

  • NASP Supports Access to an Affirming School Environment and Uncensored Public Education

    The National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) asserts that all students have the right to a safe and affirming educational environment. This includes the freedom to express identities, the availability of robust mental and behavioral health services and social–emotional learning (SEL) programming, and access to a well-rounded, uncensored public education curriculum that includes positive representation of minoritized populations and inclusive sexuality education.

  • NASP Welcomes Robust Investments in President Biden’s FY2023 Budget Proposal

    The National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) is pleased to see that President Biden’s proposed FY2023 budget seeks to build upon federal investments enacted by Congress in the FY2022 appropriations bill. The President’s FY2023 proposal represents a 15% increase in education investments over FY2022 and includes key investments to both improve our mental and behavioral health infrastructure and bolster both Title 1 and IDEA. These investments would advance equity in our schools and communities, begin to remedy disparities in access to comprehensive mental and behavioral health care, and help ensure that every child has access to a robust public education. We join the President in calling on Congress to fully support these investments, including finally meeting their commitment to provide 40% of the additional cost needed to support students with disabilities.

  • NASP Applauds Investments in FY22 Spending Package

    NASP applauds the passage of the FY22 federal Omnibus appropriations legislation, which includes historic investments in education, including the largest increase for Title I in over a decade. This legislation makes remarkable strides toward equitably funding our public school system, providing significant mental and behavioral health supports to children and youth, and ensuring schools provide safe and supportive environments for all students.

  • NASP Condemns State and Local Efforts to Undermine Transgender Youth Rights and Well-Being

    NASP) condemns recent legislative efforts and executive actions in states across the country that seek to discourage, criminalize, and endanger transgender and gender diverse students, as well as those threatening parents and educators who attempt to support and protect those students’ privacy and safety.

  • NASP Annual Convention Brings Together More Than 3,500 School Psychologists From Across the United States

    Starting on February 15, more than 3,500 school psychologists will convene at the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) 2022 Annual Convention. Meeting February 15–18, 2022, at the Hynes Convention Center in Boston, MA, experts will address a wide array of current challenges in education and discuss best practices that contribute to the learning, safety, and well-being of students to promote their success in school and life.

  • April Turner Receives NASP 2022 School Psychologist of the Year Award

    NASP has named April Turner, PhD, NCSP, as the 2022 School Psychologist of the Year. Dr. Turner was selected for her commitment to the profession not only through her advocacy work addressing the needs of children, families, and schools, but also her work on improving the pathways for future school psychologists through leadership development.

  • NASP Urges Swift Passage of FY22 Federal Education Spending Bills

    The National Association of School Psychologists urges passage of the FY2022 House Labor, Health, and Human Services (LHHS) Appropriations bill, which includes historic investments in education.

  • NASP Applauds Biden Administration for Civil Rights Protections for Transgender Students

    The National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) applauds the Biden Administration’s actions to protect the rights of transgender students as part of U.S. public schools’ obligations under Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972. The Department of Education’s Office of Civil Rights (OCR) Notice of Interpretation makes it clear that the Department interprets Title IX’s prohibition on sex discrimination to include discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity.

  • President’s Proposed Budget Represents Historic Investments in Public Education System

    The National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) is pleased to see that President Biden’s proposed FY22 budget presents tremendous opportunity for our nation’s public education system and the students it serves. This historic budget proposal prioritizes addressing disparities that have existed for too long and ultimately undermine the fabric of the nation.

  • School Safety Experts Release Updated Guidance on Conducting Armed Assailant Drills in Schools

    The National Association of School Psychologists (NASP), the National Association of School Resource Officers (NASRO), and Safe and Sound Schools (SASS) have partnered to release updated guidance on conducting armed assailant drills in schools.

  • NASP Guidance for Ensuring Student Well-Being in the Context of the Chauvin Trial

    The trial of Officer Derek Chauvin for the death of George Floyd has understandably captured our national attention and generated strong feelings for millions of people across the country. Regardless of the verdict, the issues involved have highlighted the extensive harm caused by systemic racism and police violence against people of color, particularly Black Americans, and, in so doing, has caused deep pain in many communities.

  • NASP Adopts Resolution Supporting Efforts to Reduce the Harmful Effects of Climate Change on Children and Youth

    As part of the NASP commitment to ensure all children’s learning, mental health, and ability to thrive in school, at home, and throughout life, NASP has adopted the “Resolution to Support Efforts to Reduce the Harmful Effects of Climate Change on Children and Youth.”

  • NASP Condemns Violence Against AAPI Communities, Urges Schools to Reinforce Students’ Safety, Well-Being

    Acts of violence against members of Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) communities across the country—punctuated by yesterday’s shootings in Atlanta, GA—have escalated dramatically over the past year. Such violence is horrific and deeply troubling on many levels. Our deepest sympathies are with those affected by the trauma and loss.

  • NASP Announces 2021 School Psychologist of the Year and Lifetime Achievement Award Recipients

    The National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) is pleased to announce its highest awards for 2021. Julia E. Szarko, PhD, NCSP, is the 2021 School Psychologist of the Year, and Deborah Peek Crockett, PhD, NCSP, is the 2021 Lifetime Achievement Award recipient. These individuals represent the best in school psychology and outstanding commitment to the profession and to improving the lives and learning of children and youth.

  • NASP Statement on the Assault on the U.S. Capitol

    As a nation, we have much to grapple with in the painful aftermath of the violent assault this week on our national Capitol and our democracy. The reality of an angry mob disrupting Congress in the fulfillment of its obligations and attempting to subvert the peaceful transfer of power—and the forces behind their efforts—pose the greatest threat to our country in over a century.

  • NASP Adopts Resolution Committing to Antiracism Action

    As part of the NASP commitment to ensure all children’s ability to thrive in school, at home, and in life, NASP has adopted the “Resolution Committing to Antiracism Action.” The work of NASP is grounded in its mission, professional standards, position statements, resolutions, policies, and advocacy platforms, all of which are guided by research.

  • NASP Congratulates President-Elect Biden and Vice President-Elect Harris

    NASP congratulates Joe Biden and Kamala Harris on their election as President-Elect and Vice President-Elect of the United States of America. President-Elect Biden has committed to strengthening public education as a critical national resource, with an emphasis on ensuring equity and supporting educators’ capacity to meet the learning and mental health needs of all students.

  • NASP Guidance for Ensuring Student Well-Being in the Context of the 2020 Election

    The 2020 election has generated strong opinions, emotions, and disagreements among many Americans, and it is occurring in the context of widespread, ongoing stress and anxiety from the pandemic, economic challenges, and racial injustice and unrest. Regardless of the outcome of the election, we have much to do to heal and move forward as a nation.

  • NASP Joins Colleague Organizations in Clarifying Use of SROs in Schools

    NASP has long been a leader in school safety and positive school climate. We frequently collaborate with allied organizations to improve understanding of and advocacy for evidence-based policies and practices. In 2013, NASP collaborated with key colleague organizations to produce the Framework for Safe and Successful Schools. Embedded in that document is brief guidance on the role of school resource officers (SROs). Given the events of the past several months, including the call for the elimination of all law enforcement in schools, we worked with a few of our colleague organizations involved in the Framework to further clarify the appropriate role and training of SROs and how properly implemented SRO programs differ from deploying untrained or undertrained law enforcement in schools.

  • National Organizations Call for Rigorous Training and Appropriate Use of School Resource Officers

    Our nation is navigating two major public health crises that have uncovered long-standing social injustices and racial inequities. As a nation and as individuals, we are in the midst of navigating singular vicarious and collective trauma resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic as well as the deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, and many others.

  • NASP Statement on Reopening Schools for In-Person Learning

    The decision to return to in-person instruction in our nation’s schools must be driven by a principle of least harm, guided by reliable public health data, and it must consider the needs of students, families, and staff. The decision must not be made on the basis of political expediency and the elevation of economic concerns over the safety of students, staff, and the community.

  • NASP Urges Swift Passage of FY21 Federal Education Spending Bills

    The National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) applauds the House Labor, Health, and Human Services (LHHS) Appropriations subcommittee for rejecting many of the Trump Administration’s proposed budget cuts and providing an increase in federal education investments for FY21.

  • Espinoza Decision Undercuts Public Education and Expands Taxpayer-Funded Discrimination

    The National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) believes that all children and youth are entitled to a free, appropriate, and high-quality public education. But, yesterday’s 5–4 decision by the Supreme Court in Espinoza v. Montana Department of Revenue constitutes a major blow to public schools and significantly increases the risk that students with disabilities and other historically marginalized groups will lose fundamental access and services.

  • NASP Calls for Action to End Racism and Violence Against People of Color

    The National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) joins with other organizations and individuals calling for action to end racism and violence against people of color, especially Black individuals, in this country.

  • NASP and NASRO Urge Accuracy With Regard to Lockdown Versus Other Types of Armed Assailant Drills

    The National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) and the National Association of School Resource Officers (NASRO) are encouraged that leading education and safety organizations are speaking out on the potential benefits and risks associated with training students and staff to protect against an active, armed assailant.

  • President’s Proposed Budget Undermines Public Education System

    The National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) believes that President Trump’s proposed FY21 budget for the U.S. Department of Education poses significant risk to the United States public education system and students.

  • NASP Partners With Routledge, Taylor & Francis Group to Move School Psychology Review to New Online Platform

    The National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) is pleased to announce a new partnership with the Routledge, Taylor & Francis Group (Routledge) for the publishing of School Psychology Review (SPR).

  • Shane Jimerson Named New Editor of School Psychology Review

    The past 10 days in the United States have been fraught with horrific acts of violence against innocent people in public spaces. It is heartbreaking and deeply troubling on many levels. Our deepest sympathies are with those directly affected by the trauma, injury, and loss. NASP shares the growing sense of outrage and urgency and joins with the nation in demanding that our leaders act to end this violence now.

  • NASP Condemns Hate-Driven Violence, Urges Schools to Reinforce Students’ Safety, Well-Being

    The past 10 days in the United States have been fraught with horrific acts of violence against innocent people in public spaces. It is heartbreaking and deeply troubling on many levels. Our deepest sympathies are with those directly affected by the trauma, injury, and loss. NASP shares the growing sense of outrage and urgency and joins with the nation in demanding that our leaders act to end this violence now.

  • NASP Applauds Bill to Increase Access to Mental Health Services in Schools

    The National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) commends Congressman Fitzpatrick and Congresswoman Wild for their leadership in introducing "Mental Health in Schools Excellence Program Act," which will improve access to school mental health services for America's children and youth by encouraging students to pursue a career in school-based mental health.

  • NASP Calls for Immediate Improvement in the Conditions and Care Provided Children in U.S. Custody; Endorses Open School Psychology Letter

    The National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) joins with school psychologists across the country in calling upon the Trump Administration and Congress to ensure the ethical, humane, and healthy treatment of children and their families who are in the custody of the United States government.

  • NASP Urges Support for the Increasing Access to Mental Health in Schools Act

    The National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) commends Senator Tester and Congresswoman Chu for their leadership in introducing this legislation to improve access to school mental health services for America’s children and youth.

  • NASP Urges Continued Caution in Media Coverage of School Shootings

    The recent school shootings in North Carolina and Colorado are two more tragic examples of the challenge we face as a nation to keep our children, schools, and communities safe from gun violence.

  • President’s Proposed Budget Presents Challenges for Public Education System

    The National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) believes that President Trump’s proposed FY20 budget poses significant risk to the United States’ public education system and students.

  • Parkland and Other Anniversaries Offer Opportunity to Highlight Effective School Safety Efforts

    This spring marks the first anniversary of the shootings at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Florida and Santa Fe High School in Texas, as well as the 12-year anniversary of the shootings at Virginia Tech and the 20-year anniversary of the shootings at Columbine High School in Colorado.

  • NASP Expresses Concern Regarding Federal School Safety Report

    The National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) expresses concern regarding federal school safety report

  • NASP Condemns Hate Speech and Violence, Calls on Schools to Reinforce Safe, Supportive School Environments for All Students

    The National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) strongly condemns all hate speech and crimes, racist behavior, antisemitism, misogyny, xenophobia and any behavior that undermines our collective sense of decency and security as a nation and threatens the sense of personal safety for millions of people in targeted populations across the country.

  • NASP Affirms Support for Civil Rights Protections of Transgender People in Title IX

    The National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) is dismayed by recent media reports that the Trump Administration is considering a proposal to roll back civil rights for transgender people by redefining sex under Title IX as solely and irrevocably male or female at birth.

  • New Research Highlights Approaches to Help Close the Discipline Gap in U.S. Schools

    New research published in a special issue of School Psychology Review, a preeminent quarterly research journal published by the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP), reveals both promising approaches and critical challenges to closing racial and ethnic gaps in schools’ use of exclusionary and punitive discipline practices.

  • NASP Opposes Federal Funds to Support Arming Teachers

    The National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) is deeply concerned by a reported proposal by Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos to allow schools to use federal Title IV-Part A funds to purchase firearms.

  • NASP Leader Addresses the Effect of Media Coverage on School Violence at Federal Safety Commission Meeting

    National Association of School Psychologists leader and school safety expert Ben Fernandez testified before the Federal Safety to Commission today regarding the impact of media coverage of school violence, particularly mass shootings.

  • Leading Education Organizations Release Guidance to Safe Schools Framework

    Reston, VA-The author organizations of the Framework for Safe and Successful Schools have released a series of new resources as supplements to the Framework. The resources are intended to advance the adoption of the Framework in states and districts across the country and to aid the Federal Commission on School Safety in accelerating its work.

  • NASP Calls for End to Policy Separating Families at the Border

    The National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) stands with our colleague organizations, including the American Psychological Association and the American Academy of Pediatrics, in calling upon the Trump Administration to end its policy of separating children from their families at the border.

  • NASP Calls for an Increase in Access to Suicide Prevention Resources

    The high-profile suicide deaths of Kate Spade and Anthony Bourdain this week draw attention to the imperative to recognize and support individuals who may be experiencing a serious mental health problem or significant life stressors that can increase suicide risk.

  • Preventing Mass Violence Requires Access to Mental Health Services and Reduced Inappropriate Access to Firearms

    The National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) joins the nation in shock and grief over the shooting at Santa Fe High School in Santa Fe, Texas. There have been 22 school shootings in 2018.

  • Guidance Regarding 13 Reasons Why, Season 2

    The National Association of School Psychologists has joined with a consortium of education, mental health, and suicide prevention organizations to create an online toolkit regarding the second season of the Netflix series 13 Reasons Why, which is being released May 18, 2018.

  • Kathleen Minke Named as New NASP Executive Director

    The National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) is pleased to announce the hiring of Kathleen Minke, PhD, NCSP, as its new executive director, starting July 1, 2018.

  • Omnibus Spending Bill Provides Increased Investments for School Safety and Mental Health Services

    The National Association of School Psychologists applauds Congress for introducing an omnibus spending bill that provides meaningful investments to help schools meet the needs of all students.

  • NASP Opposes Arming Teachers

    NASP strongly opposes arming teachers as a strategy for preventing gun violence on school grounds. NASP joins virtually every other organization representing school and safety professionals in recognizing that arming school staff is wrong.

  • Preventing Mass Violence Requires Access to Mental Health Services and Reduced Inappropriate Access to Firearms

    NASP joins the nation in shock and grief over the shooting in Parkland, Florida. Incidents of mass violence are far too common, and we need to do more as a nation to address the underlying causes.

  • Responsible Media Coverage of Crisis Events Impacting Children and Youth

    Several dangers can result in emphasizing or repeatedly recounting details of a crisis. Follow these guidelines for delivering ethical, responsible coverage.

  • President's Proposed Budget Presents Challenges for the Well-Being and Education of Millions of Children and Youth

    The National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) joins with other education and children's advocacy organizations in expressing deep concern regarding President Trump's proposed budget for FY19 in terms of its impact on children's learning and well-being.

  • NASP Adopts Resolution Supporting Efforts to Prevent Gun Violence

    As part of the National Association of School Psychologists' (NASP) commitment to ensure all children's safety, well-being, and ability to thrive in school, at home, and throughout life, NASP has adopted the "Resolution to Support Efforts to Prevent Gun Violence". The work of NASP is grounded in its mission, professional standards, position statements, resolutions, policies, and advocacy platforms, all of which are guided by research.

  • NASP Calls for Comprehensive School Safety Measures and Common Sense Gun Violence Prevention Efforts

    Five years ago, 26 children and educators lost their lives in the tragic shootings at Sandy Hook Elementary School. Since then, their loved ones and other caring individuals and organizations, like the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP), have committed to transforming heartbreak into action by working to keep our schools and communities safe.

  • NASP Awards Lifetime Honorary Membership to Crockett, Gorin, and Reynolds

    The National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) is pleased to announce that it has awarded lifetime honorary memberships to Deborah P. Crockett, Susan Gorin, and Cecil R. Reynolds.

  • NASP Executive Director Susan Gorin Announces Retirement After 25 Years

    National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) Executive Director Susan Gorin has announced plans to retire at the end of June 2018. A search for Gorin’s replacement is underway with the help of executive search firm Vetted Solutions.

  • President’s Proposed Budget Jeopardizes the Well-Being and Education of Millions of Children and Youth

    The National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) joins with other education and children’s advocacy organizations in expressing deep concern regarding President Trump’s proposed budget for FY18 in terms of its impact on children’s learning and well-being.

  • NASP Statement Regarding Terrorist Attack in Manchester, England

    As the news of the events in Manchester, England unfolds, NASP would like to express our sadness and shock at the horrific act of terrorism at the Ariana Grande concert. Our thoughts go out to everyone affected by this tragedy.

  • NASP Adopts Resolution Affirming Commitment to High-Quality Public Education for All Children and Youth

    As part of NASP’s effort to ensure effective implementation of the Every Student Succeeds Act, NASP has adopted the "Resolution Affirming Commitment to High-Quality Public Education for All Children and Youth."

  • NASP Strongly Disagrees With the Trump Administration’s Decision to Rescind Federal Guidance Related to Civil Rights Protections for Transgender Students

    As stated in our official position statement on "Safe Schools for Transgender and Gender Diverse Students" (2014): "[NASP] supports efforts to ensure schools are safe and inclusive learning environments for all students, family members, and school staff, including those who are transgender or gender diverse."

  • NASP Passes Resolution Reaffirming Commitment to Promoting the Rights of All Students

    As part of celebrating School Psychology Awareness Week, NASP leadership adopted a Resolution Affirming the Rights to Safe and Supportive Schools and Communities for All Students. Grounded in our professional standards and official policy, this resolution reaffirms that we are a nonpartisan organization with a commitment to advocating for the rights, well-being, and educational and mental health needs of ALL students, and to ensuring that all students attend schools and live in communities that are safe, supportive, and free of bullying, harassment, discrimination, and violence.

  • NASP Guidance for Reinforcing Safe, Supportive and Positive School Environments for All Students

    The 2016 election has been long and fraught with strong emotions. As a nation, we have much to do to heal the divisiveness that has resulted. As parents, caregivers, and educators, we have a critical responsibility to help children and youth feel safe and secure and learn how to engage with others of differing viewpoints in a peaceful, tolerant, and respectful manner.

  • NASP Commends Hillary Clinton’s New Bullying Prevention Plan

    The National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) was pleased to see Hillary Clinton, Democratic candidate for President, release a comprehensive plan, “Better Than Bullying,” to help states and schools combat bullying. NASP has long advocated for the kinds of policies and practices called for in Clinton’s proposal.

  • NASP Applauds Report Calling for Increased Access to School Psychologists

    The National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) applauds the Center for American Progress (CAP) for its recent report, “Counsel or Criminalize? Why Students of Color Need Supports, Not Suspensions.” The paper highlights a growing crisis in our nation’s schools caused by the lack of access to school-employed mental health professionals, particularly for students of color and those suffering from trauma, who too often receive harsh discipline instead of the mental health supports they need.

  • NASP Statement Regarding Recent Acts of Violence

    The National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) joins the nation in sorrow and outrage at the senseless acts of violence in Minnesota, Louisiana, and Texas this week. The level of anger and violence occurring in this country is unacceptable.

  • 5,000 School Psychologists Gather to Promote Successful & Mentally Healthy Students

    Promoting students’ academic, behavioral, and social–emotional competence is the focus for the more than 5,000 school psychologists attending the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) convention in New Orleans, LA, February 9–14, 2016.

  • NASP Applauds President Obama's Efforts to Reduce Violence and Improve Gun Safety

    NASP applauds President Obama’s efforts to reduce violence and improve gun safety in America by implementing commonsense improvements in existing relevant laws and regulations. NASP supports measures that will reduce access to firearms by individuals who intend to harm themselves or others and are in line with existing public safety measures designed to protect American citizens across a range of products and activities in this country every day.

  • NASP Applauds Passage of the Every Student Succeeds Act

    NASP applauds Congress for passing the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), bipartisan legislation intended to reauthorize the Elementary and Secondary Education Act. We look forward to this law being signed by President Obama by the end of the week.

  • NASP Urges Congress to Pass the Every Student Succeeds Act

    NASP urges Congress to pass the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), the bipartisan legislation intended to reauthorize the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, before the end of the year, to ensure that all students have access to a comprehensive and rigorous curriculum, high-quality instruction, and comprehensive learning supports that are essential to successful learning.

  • Statement Regarding the Attacks in Paris

    On behalf of our 25,000 members, the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) joins the nation in expressing our sadness and shock at the horrific acts of terrorism in Paris, France. Our thoughts go out to the French people and to everyone affected by this heartbreaking tragedy.

  • NCSP Earns Formal Recognition From National Register

    NASP is pleased to announce formal recognition of the Nationally Certified School Psychologist (NCSP) credential by the National Register of Health Service Psychologists. The National Register establishes uniform, rigorous criteria for specialty credentialing programs, like the NCSP, for health service psychologists.

  • Todd A. Savage to Begin Term as NASP President

    Todd A. Savage, PhD, NCSP, begins his term as President of the NASP on July 1, 2015. Savage is NASP’s 47th president, and will serve until June 30,2016. During his term, Savage hopes to focus on promoting effective strategies and practices to improve school climate.

  • Joe Prus Named NASP 2015 Lifetime Achievement Award Recipient

    NASP has named Joe Prus, PhD, NCSP as 2015 Lifetime Achievement Award Recipient. NASP established the award in 1999 to recognize those who have contributed to the profession of school psychology in a significant and lasting manner. Dr. Prus is the 16th recipient of this award.

  • Pamela Agan-Smith Receives NASP 2015 School Psychologist of the Year Award

    NASP has named Pamela Agan-Smith, PsyD, as 2015 School Psychologist of the Year. NASP established the award in 1990 to recognize individual school psychologists who have demonstrated exemplary dedication and effectiveness in improving the well-being of children, families, and schools, and in advancing the profession of school psychology.

  • NASP and NASRO Release Guidance on Conducting Active Shooter Drills in Schools

    NASP and NASRO have released new guidance on conducting active shooter or other armed assailant drills in schools to address the factors that schools should take into account when considering and conducting these types of drills and how these drills might fit into a larger comprehensive approach to school safety and crisis response.

  • Best Practice Related to SLD Identification

    During the past decade, considerable progress has been made in helping to better articulate the nature of Specific Learning Disabilities (SLD) and related disorders. Commendable efforts are underway to clarify and define the nature of SLD and its impact in schools, at work, and in the community.

  • Sylvia Rosenfield Named NASP 2013 Lifetime Achievement Award Recipient

    NASP has named Sylvia Rosenfield, PhD, NCSP as recipient of its 2013 Lifetime Achievement Award. NASP established the Lifetime Achievement Award in 1999 to recognize those who have contributed to the profession in a significant and lasting manner. Dr. Rosenfield is the 14th recipient of this award.

  • Educators Call for Interdisciplinary, Multitiered Framework to Improve School Safety & Access to Mental Health Supports for Students

    Leading education organizations have called on Congress and the Administration to enact school safety policies that will genuinely support the well-being and learning of students over the long-term, and have released A Framework for Safe and Successful Schools, their joint recommendations for improved school safety and access to mental health services for students.

  • NASP Cautions Against Arming School Personnel to Improve School Safety

    The tragic events at Sandy Hook Elementary School in December 2012 further bring to light the imperative for a serious national commitment to ensuring the safety of our school children and staff. However, we must guard against letting our sense of urgency obscure evidence-based school safety initiatives in favor of seemingly obvious and potentially harmful approaches, particularly those that bring more guns into schools.

  • NASP Recommendations for Comprehensive School Safety Policies

    The United States of America has no greater responsibility than safeguarding the well-being of our children. Ensuring safe schools and communities is paramount to this responsibility. NASP has long been a leader in promoting safe, supportive learning environments that protect both the physical and psychological safety of students and staff.

  • NASP Partners With Lady Gaga for Born This Way Bus Tour

    The Born This Way Foundation announced today that it will launch the Born Brave Bus Tour, which will join Lady Gaga on the road. The preconcert “tailgate” will provide a space for young people to gather and celebrate their individuality in a safe arena where everyone is encouraged to be the person they were born to be.

  • Stigmatizing Mental Health or Developmental Disorders is Harmful

    To conclude that a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder predisposes someone to commit violence perpetuates an incorrect stereotype and maintains a stigma that often creates a reluctance to seek treatment.

  • NASP Sandy Hook Statement

    On behalf of our 25,000 members, the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) joins the nation in expressing our sadness and shock at the horrific events at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, CT today. Our thoughts and prayers go out to everyone affected by this heartbreaking tragedy.