In this virtual session with Dr. Charles Barrett, participants will be exposed to comprehensive, evidence-based, and practitioner friendly assessment models to effectively differentiate between language difference and disability (particularly Specific Learning Disability) for English Learner (EL) students and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) for Black students. Additionally, participants will develop the skills necessary to effectively design culturally sensitive assessment batteries to validly assess culturally and linguistically diverse (CLD) students’ cognitive abilities, academic skills, and social, emotional, and behavioral functioning. Related to ADHD, specific emphasis will be placed on how rater characteristics influence diagnostic decisions. An interactive virtual workshop with multiple opportunities for active engagement, participants will be encouraged to consider the manner in which data are gathered throughout the assessment process and informs next steps for children and adolescents. Implications for school-based psychological practice and influencing practice and policy decisions in local school divisions related to serving CLD students and families will be discussed.
Having been recently adopted as a strategic goal of the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP), this virtual session will also discuss the organization's commitment to social justice in all aspects of the profession, including research, practice, teaching, advocacy, and policy. Using NASP resources, this session will provide practical suggestions for embedding a social justice paradigm into psychological services for students, families, schools, and communities. NASP resources to support professional learning about social justice will be highlighted.
Upon completion of your Connect20 registration for this session, you will receive an automated confirmation message with the link and information for joining virtually via Zoom. If you do not receive this message, please first check your spam/junk folder and if you are still unable to located the message contact Amanda Real at amanda.real@esc20.net.
After attending the virtual session, evaluators employed in a local education agency (district or charter) within Region 20 will receive a copy of Dr. Barrett's book,It's Always About the Children.