April 30, 2020
Dear Editor,
We are writing on behalf of the New Jersey Association of School Psychologists (NJASP) and school psychologists practicing across the state of New Jersey. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, and especially given the considerable impact on our state, we recognize that the physical and psychological well-being of students, families, educators are the immediate and overriding priority.
During this unprecedented time, NJASP is aware of the significant impact that mandatory school closures have on the learning and well-being of all children, and the various ways districts have transitioned to remote learning and teletherapy. While distance learning can and should take place, standardized testing should not.
The attached document, “NJASP Virtual Service Delivery in Response to COVID-19 Disruptions – Position Paper: Evaluation Guidance” delineates guidance for school psychologists, in their capacity as members of the IEP team, with regard to evaluation practices and procedures. Consistent with federal and state guidance, evaluations, initial or re-evaluation, that require in-person testing and/or observations should be postponed until school reopens. Further, NJASP opposes the remote administration (in students’ homes with parent proctors) of cognitive assessments and other diagnostic tests for which there is insufficient published, peer reviewed evidence documenting equivalence to the face to face administration format. Deviations from standardization invalidates the test results, potentially impacting eligibility decision-making.
Evaluations should not take place if they cannot be completed safely, ethically and/or legally.
The mission of NJASP is to advocate for all children to realize their full potential. In order to achieve our mission, we promote best practices to serve the mental health and educational interests of all children in the state. Thus, we have an ethical obligation to promote the highest standards of practice in all evaluation activities and eligibility decision making, especially during this time.
We invite you to review the attached document and encourage you to contact us @NJASP if you have questions or require additional information. Thank you for your consideration.
On behalf of the NJASP Executive Board,
Sincerely yours,
- Terri Allen, Communications, Past President
- Barry Barbarasch, Government and Professional Relations Co-Chair, Past President
- Elchanan Freund, President
- Sol Heckelman Newsletter Editor, NJASP Liaison, Past President
- Debra Keeney Government and Professional Relations Co-Chair, Past President
Enclosure: Virtual Service Delivery in Response to COVID-19 Disruptions – Position Paper: Evaluation Guidance
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