Article archive / June 1, 2015
Originally published: . Volume 6, No. 6. Source pages: 10.
The Louisiana School Psychological Association is holding a State Advocacy Day where school psychologists express a voice for children, families, and school psychology. The day is planned for June 2, from 8 am to 2 pm in the Rotunda Room at the State Capitol.
President of the Louisiana School Psychological Association and Government and Public Relations Chair, Dr. Chavez Phelps, told the Times, “Our main objective is to explain the vital role of school psychologists. Also, we will outline our model for comprehensive and integrated school psychological services.”
Topics the group hopes to express include the definition of a school psychologist, safe schools, ways to integrate school psychological services to improve child and school outcomes, and current research on the relationship between mental health and academic achievement in youngsters.
The group will also be preparing to discuss how schools and communities can work together on safety issues.
“Our main goals are to increase visibility to develop partnerships with elected officials and other key players,” Dr. Phelps explained.
The group’s directions and model come for the National Association of School Psychologists and includes best practices for data-based decision making, services for both the student and the system, and foundations which include diversity, research, and ethics.
Dr. Chavez Phelps, school psychologist and Director of the ReNEW Therapeutic Program in New Orleans. Phelps originally came to Louisiana as an intern in the LAS*PIC from Indiana State University. His background includes helping youth in residential treatment facilities, alternative high schools, juvenile justice centers, and adolescent mental health hospitals.
School psychologists Jill Landry (L) and Joanna Sonnier (M) and Kevin “Dance Card” Jones at the 2013 Louisiana School Psychological Association convention. Jill Landry is in Lafayette Parish and Joanna is in Vermillion. Dr. Jones is Professor at LSU Shreveport. School psychologists are gathering at the Capital this week.
Dr. Chavez Phelps speaking at a past convention of the Louisiana School Psychological Association. Dr. Phelps is the current president of the association.
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