Advocacy

 The first step of effective communication is developing clear and memorable messages that directly address a specific situation. One of the primary goals of the OSPA is to help increase awareness of School Psychologists’ roles within schools and highlight the impact the shortage of school psychologists has on our state. The National Association of School Psychologists (NASP, 2016) has developed key messages that can be used to help achieve this goal (Key messages from: NASP (2016). Effective Communications).

We challenge all Oklahoma school psychologists to review these messages to help develop your own message to address the question “Why Does Oklahoma Need School Psychologists?”

  • NASP Practice Model:School psychologists are a potentially untapped resource. The Practice Model helps districts make the best, most effective use of school psychologists’ expertise.
  • Expertise with data: School psychologists are highly trained in data collection and analysis, and data-based decision-making.
  • School safety and positive school climate: School psychologists have expertise in violence prevention, crisis response, and creating positive behavioral and learning environments.
  • School improvement: School psychologists are valuable members of the school improvement team, understanding individual, classroom and school-wide needs and interventions.
  • School-wide prevention and intervention: School psychologists are leaders in school-wide programs that improve behavior and academic achievement, such as PBS and RTI.
  • School mental and behavioral health services: School psychologists are advocates for the social-emotional well-being and mental health of children and youth, promoting wellness and providing mental health interventions and support. 

 

 

Advocacy Tools

Save this images to share on social media regarding School Psychology in Oklahoma
 

2024 Oklahoma Legislation

OSPA is tracking the following bills from Oklahoma's legislature. We will update this list after legislative deadlines throughout the session. For the most up-to-date information on a bill, click the associated link. Select the version tab to see the most updated version of the bill.  You may also sign up for email updates to bills using the LENS Tracking System. 

List represents active bill updates as of February, 2024.

House Bills (House Legislative Deadlines)

Bill #/Link Topic Summary Status
HB 1037 Schools Requiring annual salary bonuses for school psychologists, speech-language pathologists, and audiologists. Passed Committees
HB 1934 Students Creating the Oklahoma Parental Choice Tax Credit Act; creating income tax credit for certain taxpayers.  Passed Committee
HB 2672 Schools Making an appropriation to the State Board of Education; establishing minimum salary schedule; providing certain stipends; modifying the State Aid funding formula. Introduced
HB 1035 Schools Providing for excused absences relating to mental health counseling or occupational therapy. Considering
HB 2827 Schools Creating a grant program subject to the availability of funds to employ school nurses, school counselors, and mental health professionals. Considering
HB 2558 Teachers Providing annual bonus for certain teachers with National Board certification Considering
HB 2546 Schools Instruction; sexual orientation; gender identity. Considering
HB 2077 Schools Directing OSDE to establish an online transparency portal for review of certain school materials.  Introduced
HB 2017 Schools Student mental health needs; including information about violence de-escalation in certain information made available to school districts. Introduced
HB 2711 Mental Health Mental Health Services for Youth Policy Act of 2023 Introduced
HB 2840 Teachers Providing for and increasing annual bonus amount for teachers with National Board certification. Introduced

 

 Senate Bills (Senate Deadlines)

Bill #/Link Title Summary Status
Under Review   Please check back later.