It has been brought to our attention that uncertified and unqualified people are participating in activities that require school psychologist ESA certification.
Per NASP, school psychologists are trained to provide mental health services in the learning context. Services include mental health screening, assessment, behavioral supports, counseling, referrals, suicide risk assessment, and threat assessments.
School psychologists provide critical consultation to families, teachers, and administrators to help them best meet the needs of students at home and at school.
One of the key roles that certificated school psychologists play in Washington schools is the administration, coordination, interpretation, and application of student assessments, especially as related to students served under Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), under federal IDEA and state personnel qualifications guidelines (WAC 392-172A-02090).
PESB requires this role as part of school teams who are evaluating students, and ensures that school psychologists certified in the state of Washington have the content knowledge, skills, and background to provide these assessments for students.
It has come to our attention that some districts are using uncertified and unqualified staff to administer, coordinate, and interpret assessments for students who may be under consideration for an IEP, or who have an IEP. For example, these individuals may be teachers on special assignment, and titled as assessment technicians or assessment coordinators.
Additionally, some districts have been utilizing staff trained by Heritage University and the associated Psychology Assistant Training program or related professional development courses to perform these roles.
While such courses purport to train school staff as “technical specialists of cognitive assessment,” this program is not approved to lead to school psychologist certification and completion of this program by itself is not sufficient to authorize these roles.
PESB cautions LEAs that:
- Having staff members who do not hold school psychologist ESA certification perform these roles is not permitted by WAC 181-82-125.
- Having non-certificated staff performing these roles for students with IEPs may be out of compliance with federal IDEA guidelines and regulations.
Please contact PESB if you have questions at pesb@k12.wa.us.
Sincerely,
Dr. Erica Hernandez-Scott
Executive Director, PESB
