Legislative Assignment, Coursework Example

Your Name

Address

Phone

Assemblyman Joseph Lentol

619 Lorimer Street

Brooklyn, NY 11211

Date

Dear Assemblyman Joseph Lentol,

I am writing to you today to discuss the importance of school psychology to our community. I believe that school psychologists have a significant impact on our state’s youth, and it is essential for both public and private schools alike to hire the most qualified professionals for these kinds of positions. I would therefore like to emphasize the difference between licensed school psychologists and certified school psychologists. Licensed school psychologists have been approved by the state and regulatory board to provide counseling, instruction, and mentoring for a wide variety of students, many of which who may have social, emotional, and behavior problems. In addition, licensed school psychologists are qualified to work with students to determine the instructional settings and methods that would be most beneficial to their unique situation to enhance the overall learning process. Although certified psychologists are qualified to assist students to some degree, it is not guaranteed that their work will be as effective of that of a licensed school psychologist.

Ultimately, I believe that every school in the State of New York should have at least two school psychologists on staff at all times. I’ve attached an information sheet that explains the advantages of utilizing school psychologists that will provide useful information to teachers, students, and parents about the counseling services available to them. I recommend that this information be distributed in schools in order to maximize the benefit of the services we are able to provide.

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School Psychologist Fact Sheet

How do school psychologists work with teachers to help students?

School psychologists work closely with teachers to:

• Discover and resolve academic barriers to learning
• Create a positive classroom environment
• Motivate all students to try their best
• Monitor student progress
• Create individualized instruction

How do school psychologists aid the learning capabilities of students?

School psychologists help students learn by:

• Providing mentoring, counseling, and instruction
• Determining ideal learning strategies for unique needs
• Allowing them to accept diversity and appreciate individuality
• Reinforcing communication skills

How do school psychologists work with families to enhance learning?

School psychologists help families enhance learning by:

• Identifying and addressing behavioral problems that lead to poor school performance
• Evaluating students for special education services
• Coordinating community support services
• Presenting parents with advice about what they can do to ensure their child’s success

If you would like more information on this subject and the counseling services available at your school, please contact your school psychologist at (insert e-mail here) with any questions and comments.