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  NJASP WINTER CONFERENCE

  Friday December 13, 2024

  Keynote

  8:30-9:30 AM

  "Catalysts in Action!"

  Peter Faustino, PsyD, NASP President, 2024-2025

  A catalyst is a substance that speeds up a chemical reaction, or lowers the temperature or pressure needed to start one, without itself being consumed during the reaction. Catalysts by definition are connectors; they only work by pairing together with other substances. Join NASP President, Dr. Peter Faustino for a fun, informative, and inspiring presentation on the transformative power of relationships in school settings.

  Learning Objectives:

•   Spark discovery at the heart of systems level change through the lens of the transformative power of relationships.
•    Discuss the critical NEED for change within school systems (i.e. systemic inequity, social justice, concerns related to burnout and shortages of school psychologists).
•    Review skills that make school psychologists unique as Science-Practitioner-Advocates within school communities.
•     Share NASP resources as a method to tackling our daily challenges.

• Dr. Peter Faustino has been working with children and adolescents, as a School Psychologist, for more than 25 years and is currently serving as President of the National Association of School Psychologists. Prior to his term President, Dr. Faustino has served in multiple leadership roles in NASP and his home state’s professional associations. He was previously NASP’s NY Delegate & Regional Representative to the Board of Directors. He also served as a member of NASP’s Government and Professional Relations Committee, advocating for children’s mental health at the state and national level. In his home state of New York, he served as president of the New York Association of School Psychologists, president of the Westchester County Psychological Association, and a Council Representative to the NY State Psychological Association. He maintains several ongoing collaborative partnerships with Autism Speaks, the Child Mind Institute, the JED Foundation, the Trevor Project, the Suicide Prevention Center of NY, Bring Change to Mind, and the Born This Way Foundation. “Dr. Pete” proudly works at Scarsdale High School and maintains a small private practice with the Developmental Assessment and Intervention Center (DAIC) in Bedford Hills, NY & Greenwich, CT, specializing in adolescent behavior, anxiety disorders, and autism. In his spare time, he loves to cook and follow his three daughters on social media.

  Morning Workshops

  9:45 - 12:15 PM

  WORKSHOP 1:

  School Psychology and the Ethical Use of AI

  
  Byron McClure

  AM/PM SESSION -  This workshop is a half-day workshop with the same session running in the AM and PM

  This session will explore the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in school psychology, focusing on practical applications, ethical considerations, and managing AI tools. Participants will discuss the impact of AI on workload, guidelines for ethical use, and strategies for ensuring AI outputs are culturally sensitive and unbiased. This session is aimed at school psychologists, educators, and administrators looking to responsibly implement AI in their practice, ensuring adherence to ethical standards and effective communication.

  Learner Objectives:

•  Participants will learn how AI technology can be used in school psychological practices, where to find these resources, and how to ethically interpret and report data using AI.  Domain 9: Research and Evidence-Based Practice
• After attending this session, participants will be able to successfully navigate ethical dilemmas related to using artificial intelligence in school psychological practices. Domain 10: Legal, Ethical, and Professional Practice
•  This session will help participants be able to use AI technology to be more efficient at report writing and other methods of documentation. Domain 1: Data-Based Decision Making

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• Dr. Byron McClure is a product of Prince George’s County, Maryland, a proud HBCU graduate of Hampton University, and a Black male National Certified School Psychologist. His mission has always been to improve outcomes for youth, especially those who have been historically marginalized. After earning his doctorate in school psychology from IUP, he returned to D.C., where he led a school turnaround initiative for Anacostia High School, culminating in winning the 2020 Whole Child Award. His work has garnered recognition, including the Black SEL Summit Award 2022 for his contributions to Black youth’s development and the NASP President’s Certificate of Achievement in 2019. In 2018, he was honored with the CounterStories Award by the non-profit Men Can Stop Rape. Dr. McClure has been featured in NPR, Insider, and the APA Monitor, to name a few. He founded Lessons For SEL, a culturally responsive SEL curriculum, which was acquired by 7 Mindsets, where he served as the Director of Innovation. His book, Hacking Deficit Thinking, has consistently appeared in Amazon’s top 20 categories in Crisis Management Counseling and Inclusive Education Methods. As a keynote speaker, he’s addressed audiences nationwide, from state psychological associations in Indiana, Arizona, Missouri, Maryland, Louisiana, Michigan, and Florida; school districts like NYC DOE and Denver Public Schools; as well as conferences by organizations such as the Promising Youth Conference (Utah) and the PASCD 72nd Annual Conference (Pennsylvania). Recognizing school psychologists' national challenges, he developed School Psych AI, a platform designed to alleviate the burden of writing lengthy psychological evaluations by automating the process and their workload, allowing more focus on student well-being. Tim Shriver, Chairman of the Special Olympics and CASEL co-founder, has described Dr. McClure as "an emerging, powerful, transformative healer and justice leader, and a great American educator."

  To learn more about Dr. McClure, visit byronmcclure.com.

  WORKSHOP 2:

  The PSW Method of SLD Identification

  Vincent C. Alfonso, Montclair State University – New Jersey

  AM SESSION ONLY

  This presentation focuses on the definition, use, and interpretation of the Patterns of Strengths and

  Weaknesses (PSW) method of SLD identification. Foundational information necessary to organize a

  referral-relevant evaluation and interpret the output of a PSW analysis will be presented, including the

  definition of SLD, the most recent revisions and refinements to CHC theory, and the relations between

  specific cognitive abilities, processes, and specific academic skills. Also discussed are how cognitive

  weaknesses manifest in real-world performances (e.g., classroom) and how these manifestations provide a focus for intervention.  This presentation concludes with a comparison of the three methods of SLD identification, making a case for PSW as the best option when students do not respond as expected to quality instruction and intervention.   

  Learner Objectives: 

•  Explain the evolution and current structure of CHC Theories and their impact on test development and test performance interpretation
•   State the three SLD identification methods and their strengths and limitations
• Discuss how cognitive weaknesses manifest in real-world performances (e.g., classroom) and how these manifestations provide a focus for intervention.

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• Vincent C. Alfonso, Ph.D., is Interim Dean of the College for Education and Engaged Learning at

  Montclair State University. He is a former Professor in and Dean of the School of Education at Gonzaga

  University in Spokane, Washington. He also served as Interim Dean of the Ferkauf Graduate School of

  Psychology at Yeshiva University and Professor in and Associate Dean of the Graduate School of

  Education, Fordham University, New York City. He is past president of Division 16 of the American

  Psychological Association (APA) and past secretary of the Council of Directors of School Psychology

  Programs. This past August Dr. Alfonso began his term as president of the Trainers of School

  Psychologists. He is also a co-founder of Comprehensive Assessment for Intervention (CAI), a hub for

  disseminating information from leading researchers and scholars across multiple disciplines to improve

  practice. Dr. Alfonso is Fellow of Divisions 16, 5, and 43 of the APA and Fellow of the Association for

  Psychological Science. In February 2014, he received the Outstanding Contributions to Training award

  from the Trainers of School Psychologists and in August 2017, he received the Jack Bardon

  Distinguished Service Award from Division 16 of the APA. In May 2021 Dr. Alfonso received the

  faculty award for Professional Contributions from Gonzaga University.

  WORKSHOP 3:

  “Comegno’s Rules; Addressing Critical Learning and Legal Issues in School

  John Comegno, Esq. 

  AM SESSION ONLY

  What barriers prevent learning in 2024, and how do educators most quickly, effectively (and legally) enable learning? Why is understanding the best practice and legal rails governing School Psychology more important today, then ever? Is an IEP the “last resort,” or the first option? Why are the criteria critical to remember? Is “special education” a “place?” Are we crafting plans based on parent and “expert” demand, or are we addressing real student need? Do we resource our faculty to “avoid” the “wrong” referrals? How do schools avoid addressing difficulties “disproportionately,” and most appropriately consider “at risk” students through lesser restrictive options? Effective, compliant, and consistent disability accommodation practices include an objective, data-driven eligibility determination process which reinforces student learning in general education classrooms, enables work completion, furthers the goals of NJTSS, reduces IDEIA referrals, avoids discrimination in discipline and other learning practices, provides general education students real accommodation toolkits for success in higher education and the workplace, and enables learning. Why is intervention, through I&RS/NJTSS, the key to authentic learning accommodation? What are best practice timelines and data collection rules? And how do students move “back?” What legal pitfalls must educators avoid between “educating” and “treating” students who struggle with mental health difficulties? How does recent case law and legislation affect mental health in school? Student psychiatric clearances concerning risk and threat are at never-before-seen levels. What are the warning signs that matter? What must we pay attention to in the classroom? What are the boundaries between discipline and therapeutic action? And are the rules different for classified students? How do we engage the social media-engaged (obsessed?) “Spime” student meaningfully, teaching mindfulness about the fiction that is social media, aware that social media drives student Anxiety? What are the greatest case management pitfalls? How do we implement “Comegno’s Top Ten Strategies for Running the Best IEP Team Meeting in History?” And why are those strategies more important now, than ever? Join attorney, adjunct paw professor, and best instructional practice consultant, John Comegno Esq., as he practically addresses these issues, highlighting turn-key legal strategies for special educators today to support Student Wellness and help students achieve their goals, while understanding important legal boundaries. John’s lectures, part comedy and part law lesson, engage, entertain, and empower attendees, reminding all stakeholders of the importance of their work and significance of their role, today.

  Learner Objectives: 

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•  Understand the crucial, and practical, differences between the disability “vehicles,” today.
•  Recognize legal boundaries for today’s School Psychologist concerning student mental health difficulties, including risk and threat assessment.
•  Apply “Comegno’s Top Ten Strategies for Running the Best IEP Team Meeting in History,” and learn why those strategies are more important now, than ever.

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  John Comegno is recognized as a national voice on Education Law and Best Practices, advising school leaders and policy makers, and representing close to 100 schools throughout the country. John counsels school leaders daily and has litigated hundreds of school law cases. He teaches as an Adjunct Professor of Law, founded and leads both the Comegno Law Group and the Comegno Education Institute, and lectures to educators across the country. His national webinars have been viewed by tens of thousands, and his engaging and entertaining delivery is widely sought for convention keynotes, professional conferences, and in-school professional development. John has presented Keynote Lectures to both NJASP and NASP, at prior conferences. John has been covered by media as widely as the Wall Street Journal, USA Today, and Fox News. He is known to relentlessly advocate for effective learning and school decision-making based on student best interests.
  
  

  WORKSHOP 4:

  Introducing the New WJ V

  Lauren Wallack, M.S.

  AM SESSION ONLY

  During this session, we will review the brand new, all digital WJ V. We will review changes to the tests, how the newest developments in CHC Theory have influenced the test design of the WJ V Cognitive, as well as the co-normed Achievement Tests and our innovative Digital Test Library which includes a Dyslexia Test set. We’ll also highlight the cutting-edge technology of WJ V, designed to streamline your assessment process and provide unparalleled flexibility.

  Learner Objectives:

•   Identify Key Changes: Participants will be able to articulate the major changes and updates in the WJ V tests compared to previous versions, focusing on the enhancements in test design and structure.
•  Understand CHC Theory Application: Participants will be able to explain how the latest developments in Cattell-Horn-Carroll (CHC) Theory have influenced the design of the WJ V Cognitive and co-normed Achievement and Digital Test Library Tests.
•  Review Digital Features: Participants will understand how the innovative features of the all-digital WJ V can help to streamline the assessment process in their practice.

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  Lauren Wallack, M.S. is a School Psychologist with experience in multiple districts across Connecticut. She is currently a Senior Assessment Consultant at Riverside Insights, supporting the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions.

  Afternoon Workshops

  1:30-4:00PM

  WORKSHOP 5:

  School Psychology and the Ethical Use of AI

  
  Byron McClure

  AM/PM SESSION -  This workshop is a half-day workshop with the same session running in the AM and PM

  This session will explore the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in school psychology, focusing on practical applications, ethical considerations, and managing AI tools. Participants will discuss the impact of AI on workload, guidelines for ethical use, and strategies for ensuring AI outputs are culturally sensitive and unbiased. This session is aimed at school psychologists, educators, and administrators looking to responsibly implement AI in their practice, ensuring adherence to ethical standards and effective communication.

  Learner Objectives:

• Participants will learn how AI technology can be used in school psychological practices, where to find these resources, and how to ethically interpret and report data using AI. Domain 9: Research and Evidence-Based Practice
• After attending this session, participants will be able to successfully navigate ethical dilemmas related to using artificial intelligence in school psychological practices. Domain 10: Legal, Ethical, and Professional Practice
• This session will help participants be able to use AI technology to be more efficient at report writing and other methods of documentation. Domain 1: Data-Based Decision Making

• See Workshop 1 for Bio

  WORKSHOP 6:

  An Integration of the DD/C Method, PSW Research, and Best Practice Guidelines Via a Case Study

  Dawn P. Flanagan, Ph.D., St. John’s University – New York

  PM SESSION ONLY

  This presentation emphasizes the Dual Discrepancy/Consistency (DD/C) method, the most widely used

  among PSW methods. The essential elements in an evaluation of SLD using the DD/C method are

  presented, including (1) academic ability and skill analysis; (2) evaluation of mitigating and exclusionary

  factors; (3) cognitive ability and processing analysis; (4) PSW analysis; and (5) evaluation of interference with learning for purposes of special education eligibility.  The PSW Analyzer of the Cross-Battery  Assessment Software System (X-BASS) is demonstrated because it analyzes data following the DD/C criteria. A brief critical review of PSW research is also presented, and best practice guidelines for minimizing false positives and false negatives in SLD identification are offered. The presentation concludes with a brief case study demonstrating applying theory, research, and psychometrically sound assessment and interpretation practices to determine SLD status.

  Learner Objectives: 

•  Describe the levels of the DD/C method of pattern of strengths and weaknesses
• Discuss when and how to use X-BASS in the identification of SLD via the DD/C method of PSW including interpretation of PSW-DD/C results in X-BASS
• State best practice guidelines for minimizing false positives and false negatives in SLD identification

• Dr. Dawn Flanagan is a professor of psychology in the School Psychology Training programs at St. John’s university in Queens, NY. she is also a co-founder of Comprehensive Assessment for Intervention (CAI), a hub for disseminating information from leading researchers and scholars across multiple disciplines to improve practice. Dr. Flanagan serves as an expert witness, learning disabilities consultant, test and measurement consultant, and trainer for organizations and school districts nationally and internationally. She is a widely published author of books, journal articles, and software. she is best known for the co-development of the Cross-Battery Assessment approach and its corresponding software system, X-BASS. Dr. Flanagan and her colleagues proposed an operational definition of specific learning disabilities over 20 years ago that contained a PSW component now known as the Dual Discrepancy/Consistency or DD/C method, the most widely used PSW method across the country. Dr. Flanagan has received numerous awards for her work. Her most recent awards include the President’s Award from the Learning Disabilities Association of America (LDA) and the inaugural Contributions to Practice Award from APA’s Division 16 (School Psychology) for exceptional contributions to the field through innovations in practice.
  
  

  WORKSHOP 7:

  Importance of Multi-Method Assessment & Strategies for Legally-Defensible and Responsible Practice in Evaluations

  Alan J. Lee, Psy.D., Licensed Psychologist, Alan J. Lee & Associates, LLC, Hamilton, NJ

  PM SESSION ONLY

  Comprehensive and sound assessment practice requires practitioners to utilize reliable and valid measures in a sound, sensible manner to ensure accurate clinical findings and recommendations. This Workshop will discuss the current state of employing a “multi-method assessment” approach in practice to help ensure a “best-practices approach”, but also a legally-defensible and responsible manner of practicing psychological assessment. The Presenter will draw upon thousands of clinical and forensic evaluations conducted over multiple decades, as well professional experiences in the courtroom and consultation, to drive responsible, ethical, and legally-defensible assessment practices. 

  Learner Objectives:

• Understand the foundations or essentials of sound psychological assessment
• Identify the role of the psychologist in ensuring responsible, sound assessment practice
• Apply #1 and #2 in avoiding failures in litigation

• Alan J. Lee is a Licensed Psychologist in NJ and NY, and practiced in a variety of outpatient, intensive outpatient, inpatient, and correctional settings. He currently maintains a full-time independent group practice since 1997 that specializes in clinical and forensic evaluations and expert witness work in a variety of civil, criminal, and other forums, including on child protection matters, violence risk, sexual offender, fire offender, work place/school place violence, domestic violence, and criminal offender issues. He has been qualified as an expert witness and testified in approximately 1,700 State Superior Court trials. He has helped filed multiple Amici Briefs in various interests, and been cited in multiple State Appelate and Supreme Court decisions shaping the legal landscape. He has been active in NJ Psychological Association as Member-at-Large, Forensic Interest Group (past Chair), Psychologists for Promotion of Child Welfare (Chair), and presented locally, nationally, and internationally. 

  WORKSHOP 8:

  Bridging the Gap, a Collaborative Approach Addressing Suicide and Bullying in School Settings

  Gary Schoenberg, Janet Berkowitz, Nerfertiti Rosa, Mike Shoeman

  PM SESSION ONLY

  You are invited to participate in this engaging and interactive workshop that offers a unique experiential approach to suicide and bullying in school settings. Attendees will participate in activities that nurture and support the basic innermost needs of students, teachers, and school psychologists.  Participants are encouraged to develop curiosity of and appreciation for their inner creative resources. The Bridge model supports a strength-based collaborative approach that encourages genuine sharing through deep empathic listening, cultivating the essential well-being of students who are at risk for harassment, intimidation, and bullying.  Activities will be hands-on to help stimulate authenticity and the development of creative skill sets, safe spaces and trauma-free zones. 

  Learning Objectives: 

  Participants in this session will engage in activities that will enhance the following:

•  Improved communication and empathetic and reflective listening.
• Helping to encourage increased trust and vulnerability in students at risk
• The use of creative resources to engage students who have difficulty with verbal expression 
•  Foster curiosity and appreciation as a means to create safe zones
• Recognition of the different modes that include inner dialogues, feelings, and self-expression
•  Understanding the use of a strength-based collaborative approach (NASP Practice Domain 2)
• Mitigating approaches that address Resiliency and Risk (NASP Practice Domain 6)

Gary Schoenberg - CPRP/Licensed Psychologist with 40 Years Experience Working in Mental Health Services. Highly skilled, recovery oriented, behavioral health professional with experience and credentials working in administrative, clinical operations, and development that include quality management of behavioral health programs within a large urban community mental health organization with diverse populations of staff and clients. Gary brings his clinical, administrative, and creative talents to The Bridge Workshop as a Bridge Builder.

Janet Berkowitz - CRSP/Creative Arts Facilitator with 35 + Years in Mental Health. Services/Performer/NJ Certified Peer Specialist and a Certified WRAP Facilitator. Extensive history with suicide awareness workshops based on personal lived experience including the “Wizard of Iz” Productions, Suicide Prevention and bullying workshop co-facilitator. Works with various mental health advocacy groups on suicide prevention, including the NJ Adult Suicide Prevention Council and NJ Stakeholders 988 Committee. Experience using art therapy techniques, incorporating drama, music, movement and writing at IOP and Wellness Center settings. Training and work experience in peer counseling programs, Trauma Informed Care and Anger Management.

Nefertiti Rosa - Lived Experience/Performer/Co-Founder of “Not On My Watch” Productions, the “Wizard of Iz” Productions, Suicide Prevention and bullying workshop co-facilitator, with 7+ years of experience. Current Performer with New Jersey Mental Health Players. Recovery skills in atmospheres that focus on mental health wellness. Path towards Certified Recovery Support Practitioner (CRSP) and Certified Recovery Support Practitioner (CRSP) Credentials.

Mike Shoeman - Personal Trainer and Life Coach with 17+ years’ Experience in Creative Improvisation, working with Mental Health Practitioners and Consumers. Director of “The Wizard of Iz” production/touring company which addresses suicide and bullying offering performances and discussion workshops at mental health care facilities across New Jersey. Lead facilitator for international co-op focusing on systems change and emergent strategies. Board Member and Development Committee Chair of Circle of Miracles. Focus is on identifying and aligning values to bridge the gap between spirituality and mental health.

POST CONFERENCE EVENT

4:00-5:00pm

POST CONFERENCE NETWORKING EVENT:

Graduate Student Regional Networking Event

NJASP Regional Delegates Representatives

Graduate students as well as professors and directors and practicing school psychologists can join in a networking event to help bridge areas of expertise with their region as well as gain perspectives from across the state. Additional opportunities for Q&A from presenters of conference for further reflection.

NJASP WINTER CONFERENCE BROCHURE 2024

Exhibitors can contact Ruth Marino for further details regarding registration and conference details.

Graduate student programs can contact Stacey Maugeri for further details regarding registration and volunteer opportunities.

----PLEASE BE ADVISED, UNLESS IDENTIFIED AT REGISTRATION, ALL HANDOUTS WILL BE PROVIDED ELECTRONICALLY---