Advocacy Tools for School Psychologists

Effective advocacy is one of the most important tools school psychologists have for protecting students and strengthening the profession. Decisions made in state legislatures and in Washington—about funding, staffing ratios, Medicaid, and the scope of our practice—shape what we are able to do for children every day. The resources below can help you stay informed and add your voice.

Understanding the Issues

The National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) is a nonpartisan organization that advocates for research-based policies promoting equitable access to comprehensive school psychological services. NASP updates its federal policy priorities each year, and several issues remain at the center of that work:

• The workforce shortage. NASP recommends one school psychologist for every 500 students, yet the national ratio was about 1:1,065 in the 2023–2024 school year—and far higher in many districts.
• School-based Medicaid. NASP advocates for including school psychologists as qualified providers so schools can sustain mental health services.
• The comprehensive role. Advancing the full scope of practice described in the NASP Practice Model, beyond special education eligibility alone.
• Federal law. Monitoring how ESSA, IDEA, and Medicaid affect the day-to-day practice of school psychologists.

Tools and Position Statements

NASP publishes official position statements and a policy platform that members can cite when speaking with policymakers, administrators, and community groups. These documents translate research into clear, defensible stances on issues such as school safety, the shortage, and the role of school psychologists. NASP’s Policy Priorities and Policy Matters blog are updated throughout the year.

Advocacy in South Carolina

SCASP tracks the state and federal developments that matter most to our members. Visit our Advocacy page for the latest South Carolina legislative updates and SCASP position statements, and see our Resources for supporting materials. Because the school psychologist shortage is felt acutely here—where the average practitioner serves roughly 1,200 students—expanding the workforce is one of our clearest advocacy goals. If your district is hiring, our job board helps connect open positions with qualified candidates across the state.

Sources: National Association of School Psychologists, Federal Policy Priorities, Comprehensive Role of School Psychologists, and Shortage of School Psychologists.