Take Action During National School Psychology Week 2024

November 11-15, 2024, is National School Psychology Week, and the National Register is joining the National Association of School Psychologists in raising awareness of the critical importance of school psychologists and the supports they provide to students.

Across the country, there is a critical shortage of school psychologists. The National Association of School Psychologists recommends a ratio of 1 school psychologist for every 500 students. Unfortunately, the current national ratio is more than double the recommendation. Shortages are especially prevalent in rural and low-income areas.

School-based mental health professionals, like school psychologists, can help guide school-wide prevention and intervention, provide direct services to students, help teachers and other school staff understand the warning signs that individuals may be at risk of causing harm to themselves or others, support school safety and positive school climate efforts—and so much more.

You can support efforts to increase access to school-based mental health professionals.

You can help address the shortage of school psychologists by supporting legislation that will help states and districts improve these ratios through additional funding, resources, and support. Specifically, you can support critical investments in the Mental Health Service Professional Demonstration Grant and School-Based Mental Health Services Grant programs in the Department of Education. These grants provide funding and support to strengthen the workforce pipeline and recruit and retain school psychologists and other professionals.

Learn more at NASP’s Advocacy Action Center!