Blog
Practices in Communist Education Systems That Support Executive Functioning
1. Structured and Disciplined Learning Environments Description: Communist education systems universally emphasized strict discipline and uniformity. In the Soviet Union, Stalin’s 1930s “Great Retreat” reinstated traditional methods, state curricula, and textbooks....
Parenting Across Cultures
Parenting practices vary significantly across cultures, reflecting unique values, traditions, and social expectations. While U.S. parents often emphasize independence, self-expression, and structured learning, many other cultures prioritize different skills that...
Pre-K Readiness Skills: A Guide for Parents
As a School Psychologist, I want to help you prepare your child for a smooth transition into Pre-K. Below is a list of key skills that will help your child feel confident and ready for school. Don’t worry if your child hasn’t mastered everything yet—Pre-K is a...
Course: Parenting Neurodivergent Children with Confidence & Compassion
This 10-week Parenting Skills Course is adapted specifically for parents of neurodivergent children (Autism, ADHD, Sensory Processing Differences, etc.). This course blends Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), Positive Parenting, and Neurodiversity-Affirming Practices to...
Course: Parenting with Confidence: Building Stronger Parent-Child Connections
This 10-week Parenting Skills Course is designed to empower parents with practical strategies based on educational psychology, behavioral science, and child development principles. This course focuses on positive discipline, communication, emotional regulation, and...
Course: Educational Psychology for Inclusive and Effective Teaching
Course Length: 10 Weeks Target Audience: Pre-Service Teachers/ 1st Year Teachers Course Format: Weekly lectures, discussions, case studies, and hands-on activities Course Overview: This course explores key principles of educational psychology,...
ASD RESOURCES
Free Resources: Autism Speaks – Parent’s Guide to Autism (www.autismspeaks.org) Free toolkits on navigating diagnosis, behavior management, and school support. National Professional Development Center on Autism Spectrum Disorder (NPDC) (autismpdc.fpg.unc.edu)...
IDEIA, 2004 and Mental Health
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEIA) of 2004 includes several provisions that address mental health, particularly in relation to providing services and support for students with disabilities. Here are the key areas where mental health is...
Beyond the Report Card: Legal Precedents
Legal precedents have established that when school districts fail to address educational disabilities appropriately, they can face significant legal consequences. These cases highlight the long-term impacts on students and underscore the legal obligations of...
Beyond the Report Card: The Broader Impact of Educational Disabilities
When discussing the impact of educational disabilities, many people focus primarily on academic performance and grades. However, the effects of learning differences extend far beyond a student’s report card. Educational disabilities influence multiple aspects...
Why School Psychologists Are the Best Choice to Lead Special Education Departments
In many school districts, special education departments are led by administrators who may lack specialized knowledge in Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), mental health, and behavioral interventions. While these administrators may have general leadership...
Body Language – What Does It Say?
These body language signals can offer valuable insights into a person’s feelings, thoughts, and intentions, helping us better understand and navigate social interactions. Crossed Arms Often interpreted as defensiveness, discomfort, or resistance. However, it can also...
Behaviors That Indicate NO Autism Diagnosis for School Eligibility
When evaluating a child for autism eligibility in Texas schools, certain behaviors may indicate that autism is NOT the appropriate classification. These behaviors suggest that the child's challenges may stem from other factors, such as emotional disturbance (ED),...
Recommendations for Supporting Autism and Down Syndrome in School and Home Settings
1. Social Interaction School Recommendations: Implement structured social skills groups. Use peer buddy systems to encourage interaction. Provide visual supports (e.g., cue cards) for initiating conversations. Offer guided play activities to encourage cooperative...
The School Psychologist Shortage: Bridging the Gap Between Need and Availability
School psychologists play a critical role in supporting students’ mental health, academic success, and overall well-being. However, a stark disparity exists between the number of school psychologists available in schools and the growing number of students who require...