This page will provide updates on mandate relief proposals in New York that impact the profession of school psychology. For questions related to any of these issues, please contact our Legislative Co-Chairs John Kelly or Beth Rizzi.
THE FEB 7TH RALLY IS CANCELLED
It appears that our initial analysis of the budget was accurate. We have once again staved off an attack on the profession. NYASP’s collective voice was heard in Albany!
As we have witnessed over the past year, the Executive Budget (and Reform Plan) continues the efforts towards reorganization, contained spending growth and enhanced accountability. These are worthy goals but NOT at the risk of harming our most vulnerable students and families. Our advocacy efforts continue to get stronger with every challenge and are paying off. Thank you again for your support.
Given that our focus can be shifted to the NYS Legislature and their agendas for the spring session, I am officially cancelling the Albany Rally scheduled for February 7th. As many of you know, NYASP holds its annual lobby day in May. This year we will descend upon the capitol on Monday, May 7, 2012. If you are interested in joining us then you are all cordially invited.
Finally, in consultation with our legislative team we will soon be asking for each of you to schedule a time to speak with your state assembly member and senator. Our mission, on behalf of NY families, schools and communities, will continue to be heard loud and clear.
Keep up the great work!
Dr. Peter Faustino
President NYASP
****MANDATE RELIEF UPDATE****
Many people have been asking “what does this mean for school psychologists?” and “what does this mean for psychological evaluations?” The simple answer is NOTHING RIGHT NOW. NO CHANGES WILL TAKE PLACE IMMEDIATELY. ANY CHANGE REQUIRES A CHANGE IN STATUTE AND/OR REGULATIONS, WHICH WILL REQUIRE ACTION ON THE PART OF THE NYS LEGISLATURE. This is not an easy or quick process. There is no need to panic. NYASP will be provide frequent updates as information becomes available.
It is difficult to respond to every e-mail individually. We apologize for that. Please check the NYASP website (www.nyasp.org) for updates as they become available. As an aside, if you have not renewed your membership with NYASP, now would be the time to do so. We ALL need to be in this together. Please make sure that your fellow school psych colleagues join you as members. Together, we can do great things!
January 27, 2012
NYASP has published comments that were submitted to NYSED regarding the proposed amendment to the regulations. Please see the NYASP Blog page (http://www.nyasp.org/blog/page29.php) for these comments.
Individuals are encouraged to submit their own comments. Information about the submission process can be found at http://www.p12.nysed.gov/specialed/comment/announce-evaluations.htm
January 4, 2012
NYSED has proposed to amend sections 200.4 and 200.16 of the Regulations of the Commissioner of Education relating to preschool and school-age individual evaluations. Written comments on the proposed amendment will be accepted for 45 days after its January 4, 2012 publication in the New York State Register. Further information is available at http://www.p12.nysed.gov/specialed/comment/announce-evaluations.htm
As NYASP had indicated in December, NYSED is calling for public comments on very specific and limited proposals that are part of the overall Mandate Relief recommendations that were approved by the Regents.
The proposals are:
Amend section 200.4(b) to clarify that the 60-day timeline to complete an evaluation pertains to an initial evaluation of a student suspected of having a disability and to repeal the requirement that a school psychologist prepare a written report of his/her determination of the need to administer an individual psychological evaluation for a reevaluation of a student with a disability.
Amend section 200.16 to align the preschool initial evaluation timeline (i.e., 30 school days from receipt of consent) to the federal timeline for initial evaluations and the timeline established in New York for school-age evaluations (i.e., 60 calendar days), to allow school districts additional time to complete preschool initial evaluations, while continuing to ensure the timely provision of programs and services within 60 school days from receipt of consent to evaluate
NYASP will provide guidance on submitting comments.
December 19, 2011
A policy memorandum from the Office of P-12 Education providing clarification regarding actions taken related to mandate relief and special education is now available at http://www.p12.nysed.gov/specialed/publications/mandaterelief-dec2011.htm
Please see this important memo and share with all interested parties. Please note the emphasis on the fact that while recommendations have been approved by the Regents, NOTHING has changed. In addition, changes in language related to written reports regarding the determination of additional data for re-evaluations only will be presented for public comments. Any other changes will require legislative action by the NYS Legislature. This is exactly what NYASP has been reporting.