NAPSA Public Policy/Legislative Agenda
By
Ronnie Knutson, Secretary
This panel presentation featured the NAPSA Legislative Committee composed of Ted Kozlik, Sandra Ford-Johnson, Jerry Bohren and Richard Scott. The panel members addressed the implications of the "No Child Left Behind" legislation and its impact on student services personnel.
Richard Scott shared information about the law's impetus in formulating the first state school counselors meeting in Maryland. These professionals will look at best practices to insure safe, secure environments. With the No Child Left Behind legislation, the accountability for educators has changed from programs and services to student academic achievement accountability. The role of student services personnel must change accordingly. Sandra Johnson distributed a modal power point presentation that student services personnel can use to raise public awareness of the critical supportive role they play in the education of all children.
Jerry Bohren addressed strategies to increase political and public awareness of NAPSA. An example is the proposed national proclamation of a National Pupil Services Personnel Week. Jerry emphasized the need to advocate for the importance of pupil services to politicians. He shared his experience in Wisconsin where the Governor proclaimed October as National Pupil Personnel Services month.
Ted Kozlik addressed the challenge of special education within a climate
of limited funding. He summarized NAPSA's Position Statement on special
education. Issues
included: funding, learning environment, program accountability, alternative
programs parent-school partnerships, teacher preparation, recruitment,
staff development and retention.
The panel emphasized the importance of staff development at the local level and working with local, state and federal levels of government.