The Massachusetts School Psychologists Association (MSPA) welcomes you to MSPA Online Learning's virtual conference ‘The Ethical Practitioner.’

Given that the National Association of School Psychologists Convention will be held in Boston in February, and in accordance with the new requirements for professional development in ethics for NCSP renewal, the Massachusetts School Psychologists Association is presenting a virtual conference this year. The virtual conference is being offered at a special discounted rate to MSPA members through the dedicated work of Board Members and School Psychology Trainers who are presenting their papers pro bono. We are in their debt and sincerely appreciate the time and effort they have donated to further the professional development of school psychologists in our area and to enhance the professionalism of the field.

ETHICS 101 is, as promised, a 6-hour presentation at low cost for members. However, partly because Massachusetts’ re-certification requires 10 hours of professional development around a single topic, and partly because of the volume of excellent content that writers have provided, MSPA is offering both the 6-hour presentation as announced, or the choice of ETHICS 102, a 10-hour professional development opportunity. The cost of the 6-hour presentation remains as advertised. For a small additional cost, you now have the choice of earning 10 PDPs by taking ETHICS 102. To help you decide between the two options, the topics covered are listed below:

ETHICS 101: The Ethical Practitioner (6 hours)

• An Overview and Pragmatic Guide for School Psychologists
• Ethical and Legal Issues.ppt
• Ethical Intervention
• Ethics and Counseling
• Ethical Principles in Assessment
• Ethics and Consultation
• Cultural Competence of Ethical School Psychologists

ETHICS 102: The Ethical Practitioner (10 hours)

• An Overview and Pragmatic Guide for School Psychologists
• Ethical and Legal Issues.ppt  
• Ethical Intervention
• Ethics and Counseling
• Ethical Principles in Assessment
• Ethics and Consultation
• Cultural Competence of Ethical School Psychologists
• Applying Ethical and Legal Standards in Five Key Areas 
• Confidentiality Issues PPT
• FERPA and Student Records PPT
• Ethics in Supervision
• Ethics and Research
• Ethics & Technology
• Ethics and SLD Determination

The sections have very rich content. The topics of ETHICS 101 address many of our roles as we function on a day-to-day basis. The additional topics of ETHICS 102 are slightly more specialized and address particularly current issues and concerns. (We recommend that you take ETHICS 102, as the additional sections contain important content relevant to your practice). We also suggest that you use this opportunity to work with others, who are also taking advantage of this training, to discuss the many scenarios and cases contained in the various papers.

The Goals of the online conference “The Ethical Practitioner’ are as follows:

1. Participants will develop a deeper understanding of the application of ethical principles and codes to daily practice in the many aspects of our roles as school psychologists.
2. Participants will match specific principles to specific aspects of our practice including intervention, counseling, assessment, and consultation.
3. Participants will learn ways to become more culturally competent in their practice.
4. Participants will be able to apply ethical principles and standards to the newer aspects of our jobs in light of changes in practice and changes in laws.
5. Participants will practice applying ethical decision-making steps through a wide variety of scenarios addressing specific aspects of our practice.

Information about each presenter was shared at the MSPA Spring Conference, appeared in the most recent newsletter and also appears at the end of each paper. All presenters are currently teaching in school psychology training programs. The online virtual conference faculty represents most of the training schools in Massachusetts.

Once you have decided to proceed with either: ETHICS 101 or ETHICS 102, you will register for the course. It is important to understand that in order to take advantage of the member price for the virtual conference, you must have sent in your 2008-2009 dues, which you can also do online. When you register, you will take the pretest as is required by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. After completion of ETHICS 101, or ETHICS 102, you will take a posttest and complete a course evaluation. When that is submitted, you will receive a certificate documenting completion for your records. All of these instructions are explained in further detail on the MSPA Online Learning website.


For those who need CEUs and CEs


MSPA is an approved provider with the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE). You may use this online learning experience (PDPs) toward your requirements for recertification of your professional license with the Massachusetts State Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.

NASP recently made the decision to ‘approve’ various providers of continuing education for school psychologists. MSPA, and many other state associations, did not apply for this designation given the cost. Currently, this does not affect NASP members earning CE’s toward renewal of membership. However, in January of 2010 it will affect those renewing their NCSP credential in that 25 of their continuing professional development credits will need to be awarded by a NASP-Approved Provider. This is one-third of the total credits required for renewal.

The MSPA Online Learning courses can be used to renew the NCSP credential now and in the future given that two-thirds of the credits do not need to be awarded by a NASP-Approved Provider. However, in order to assist members who would appreciate MSPA courses and conferences counting as part of the 25 credits, MSPA is currently applying for the NASP-Approved Provider status.






ETHICS 101: The Ethical Practitioner (6 hours) REGISTRATION





ETHICS 102: The Ethical Practitioner (10 hours) REGISTRATION





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Thank you for considering MSPA Online Learning.