Candidates for APA President
What social and public interest issues will you emphasize during your term and what specific plans do you have for achieving your objectives?
APA currently addresses important social and public interest issues, such as "valuing" diversity, violence prevention, workplace stress, special needs of children and the aging, promoting a multicultural curriculum, women's issues, behavioral aspects of AIDS and many more. While these initiatives merit continuation, psychology must prepare a broader, more integrative perspective, recognizing the changing demographics confirmed by the recent census. Our scientists, education community and practitioners will need to address the implications of such a truly diverse society if we are to remain a relevant discipline and profession for the future. An organization-wide discussion and planning process will be needed.
What do you consider to be the central issue confronting undergraduate education (high school, two-year and four-year college levels) in psychology in the next 10 years?
Although specific content areas will emerge, the central issue will be addressing gaps and discrepancies. Teachers will need ongoing continuing education to develop the knowledge needed to relate to a culturally diverse student body, and develop skills (e.g., in technology) to meet the demands of their students for an ever-increasing richness in instruction. Society's "haves" and "have-nots" in access to technology will be mirrored in the classroom, and those in teaching and administration will need to address this gap. Literacy differences will be magnified, and found in new areas. Different teaching methods will need to be developed and evaluated.
