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?
The study of psychology should be integrated into the curriculum of every child's education along with the basics of biology, chemistry and physical health. What would it mean to our communities, health-care systems, prisons and to our families if the basics of psychology were so integrated? APA should organize membership to meet with local school boards and provide each with a prepared plan for the integration of practical, scientific psychology as a critical component of a good public education. If we are to be a profession of great influence, the transformation of public awareness must begin in our public schools.
What steps should APA take to increase the portability of licenses from state to state?
This is a critically important issue of increasing urgency.
Short-term, portability has been addressed by the Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards, ABPP, and the National Register. APA should support this process.
However, treatment modalities like telehealth and the Internet require long-term, absolute license mobility. This issue needs to be addressed through cooperative efforts involving the federal government, state psychology boards and APA. An effective template has already been developed in Washington, but now focuses principally on medicine. APA needs to be at the table in D.C. addressing this issue and facilitating cooperation between all the necessary players.
