The Prepared School Psych podcast welcomes back Dr. Amy Merenda, a licensed educational psychologist and expert in educational assessments, to discuss when it is appropriate to evaluate students for special education. The episode explores the framework of Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS), its implementation challenges, and the importance of collaboration, data usage, and culturally responsive practices. Dr. Merenda also shares insights into managing work-life harmony, leveraging resources like the Libby app for audiobooks, and tips for school psychologists navigating the MTSS framework. Tune in for practical advice and strategies to enhance your effectiveness as a school psychologist.

The Guide for White Women Who Teach Black Boys:

Upcoming Training Series: Overlapping Eligibilities: Differentiating When Similar Criteria is Apparent

Join Jenny for a two-part live training series, exclusively available to members of the Prepared School Psychologist Community. These sessions will explore practical strategies for eligibility determinations and writing eligibility statements.

Part 1: January 22nd, 11:45 AM – 2:00 PM PST

Part 2: February 5th, 11:45 AM – 2:00 PM PST

Can’t attend live? Replays will be available within 24 hours. Earn 4.5 CEU credits or download a certificate of completion.

Who Should Attend?

School psychologists seeking practical tools to navigate overlapping eligibility determinations and effectively communicate findings with teams and families.

Ready to Join? Membership in the Prepared School Psychologist Community provides access to this training series, along with 35+ mini-courses, exclusive resources, and monthly live office hours.

⁠⁠⁠Click here to join now⁠⁠:⁠ ⁠https://jennyponzuric.com/prepared-school-psychologist/⁠

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Timestamps:

00:20 Meet Dr. Amy Merenda

01:12 Work-Life Harmony Tips

02:46 Libby: The Free Audiobook App

03:38 Challenges in Implementing MTSS0

8:28 Effective Collaboration Strategies

22:07 Screening and Progress Monitoring Tools

27:53 Navigating Progress Monitoring Tools

28:49 Determining the Need for Special Education Assessment

33:36 Handling Parent Requests for Evaluations

39:37 The Evolving Role of School Psychologists

40:42 Effective Interventions and Common Challenges in MTSS

44:48 Ensuring Cultural Responsiveness in MTSS

46:55 Future Trends in MTSS and School Psychology

48:40 Recommended Resources for School Psychologists

52:24 Advice for New School Psychologists

56:27 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

The information and advice provided are for guidance purposes only. All participants must adhere to federal and state law, along with their school district guidelines and policies.