NCSPA Practitioner of the Year Award- Purpose & Eligibility

Purpose:
NCSPA seeks to recognize excellence in school psychological services by honoring a school psychologist who exemplifies the highest level of professionalism in their daily practice.

Eligibility:
1. Regular Member of NCSPA
2. Licensed as a school psychologist and practicing in North Carolina
3. Provides direct services to students, families, and schools

Criteria #1
Provides comprehensive school psychological services consistent with the NASP Guidelines for the Provision of School Psychological Services as summarized below:

Data-Based Decision-Making and Accountability:
*Uses a decision-making process in collaboration with other team members to
(a) identify academic and behavior problems,
(b)collect and analyze information to understand the problems,
(c)make decisions about service delivery, and
(d) evaluate the outcomes of decisions.

Consultation and Collaboration:
*Has the ability to listen well, participate in discussions, convey information, and work together with others in planning and decision-making processes at an individual, group, and systems level.
*Development of Cognitive/Academic Skills
*In collaboration with others, develops appropriate cognitive and academic goals for students; implements interventions to achieve these goals and evaluate the effectiveness of interventions.
*Uses assessment and empirically supported knowledge to develop appropriate instructional strategies, curriculum and educational interventions.

Development of Socialization and Life Skills:
In collaboration with others, develops appropriate behavioral, affective, adaptive or social goals for students, facilitates the implementation of programs/interventions to achieve these goals and monitors progress towards these goals.

Respect for Human Diversity:
Has the sensitivity, knowledge, and skills to work with individuals and groups with a diverse range of strengths and needs from a variety of racial, cultural, ethnic, experiential and linguistic backgrounds.

Knowledge of School and Systems Organization, Policy Development, and Climate:
Participates in the development of policies and procedures that advocates for: effective programs and services, safe and violence free environments, effective educational services, and availability of health and mental health services for students and families

Prevention, Crisis Intervention, and Mental Health:
*Implements and evaluates prevention and intervention programs for severe learning and behavioral problems. collaborates with other health care professionals to promote wellness
*Provides mental health support during and after crises.

Home/School/ Community Collaboration
*Promotes partnerships among parents, educators, and the community.
*Designs and implements, evaluates programs to promote school-family partnerships for the purpose of enhancing academic and behavioral goals for students.
*Provides support for parents during school functions, e.g., IEP meetings,
*Helps create linkages between school, families, and community agencies
*Works with parent organizations to promote public policy that empowers parents

Criteria #2
Performs job in an exemplary manner as evidenced by:
*Innovation and creativity
*Outcomes and results

Criteria #3
Earns respect of fellow workers, students, and parents as evidenced by:
*Community service awards
*Awards for professional accomplishments
*Distinguished service
*Positions of leadership

Criteria #4
Is well informed about, and exemplifies, professional standards, ethics and current issues as evidenced by:
*Membership in NCSPA and NASP, APA, or other professional associations

Additional information regarding the Practitioner of the Year Award can be found here:
https://www.ncspaonline.com/awards-info/