Candidates for APA President
What role should APA play in enhancing teaching and learning of students at all levels, as well as mechanisms by which APA can improve the overall quality of education in psychology at all levels?
APA should provide more support for the multiple and diverse ways that psychologists contribute to education at all levels of society. Psychology is fundamental to understanding educational processes, developing effective educational programs and enhancing educational outcomes. Important psychological contributions include neuroscience, learning and cognitive research, designing and evaluating effective curricula, developing new distance-learning technologies, and implementing community and national programs. Daily, psychologists conduct essential evaluations and treatments for individuals with learning problems. Psychology can make major contributions to society by developing and utilizing new technologies and addressing the educational needs of our diverse society. See www.bcm.tmc.edu/familymed/jbray for more information.
What steps should APA take to increase the portability of licenses from state to state?
As psychologists increase their mobility, practice in multiple jurisdictions and develop virtual practices across state lines, mobility of licensure becomes a central issue that APA should address. Through the Board of Educational Affairs, APA is developing model laws and programs for licensure portability that states can implement. APA should also work with other groups, such as ASPPB and the National Register. We need an increase in reciprocal licensing agreements (available in nine states) and standardized credentials, such as the Certificate of Professional Qualification (available in 38 states), to facilitate multistate practice. License portability will support practice in the 21st century.
