Morning Presentation:
From Avoidance to Attendance: Reengaging Students Through Assessment, Intervention, and Collaboration
Description: This presentation highlights the multifaceted nature of school refusal behavior and the pivotal role of school psychologists in promoting school engagement. Participants will be introduced to a function-based framework for assessment and intervention that integrates consideration of environmental factors influencing attendance. Presenters will model a systematic approach to conducting comprehensive assessments and developing case conceptualizations to guide targeted recommendations and interventions. This session will also address effective strategies for collaborating and consulting with caregivers, including the development of a practical Caregiver Action Plan.
Objectives: This session will help participants:
- Apply a function-based assessment framework to conduct comprehensive evaluations of school-refusal behavior.
- Identify and select evidence-based interventions aligned with the four functions of school refusal behavior.
- Develop case conceptualizations to guide targeted recommendations and interventions for school refusal behavior.
- Apply a culturally competent consultation framework to enhance caregiver collaboration and support school engagement.
- Design a Caregiver Action Plan to promote student attendance and engagement.
Afternoon Presentation:
Exploring Equitable Assessment Practices for All Students
Description: This session explores the ethical use of standardized assessments in school psychology, emphasizing NASP/APA principles. Topics include informed consent, cultural/linguistic considerations, test selection, and validity. Participants will analyze scenarios involving bias, misinterpretation, and use of results. The session also addresses emerging technologies, remote assessment, and confidentiality. Attendees will gain practical strategies to navigate ethical dilemmas and promote fair, accurate, equitable assessment practices for all students.
Objectives: This session will help participants:
- Identify key ethical principles from NASP and APA relevant to standardized assessment practices.
- Analyze real-world scenarios to recognize ethical challenges such as bias, misinterpretation, and appropriate test use.
- Apply ethical decision-making to emerging issues in assessment, including remote testing, technology use, and confidentiality.
Presenters:
Tom Brant, MA CAS
H. Thomas “Tom” Brant currently serves as the Director of Pupil Services for Amity Regional School District No. 5 in Woodbridge, Connecticut. Prior to this role, he was a School Psychologist at Newtown High School in the Newtown Public Schools. Tom is the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) Delegate for the State of Connecticut and is a member of the NASP Board of Directors. He also contributes to national efforts in school safety and mental health as a member of NASP’s School Safety and Crisis Response Committee. He holds a Certificate of Advanced Studies and a Master of Arts in School Psychology from Fairfield University, and he completed his educational leadership coursework at Quinnipiac University.
Eric Elias, MS Ed, ABSNP
Eric Elias, MS Ed, ABSNP is a school psychologist in Meriden, CT. He is the 2026 National School Psychologist of the Year, Connecticut’s 2018 School Psychologist of the Year, and past president of the Connecticut Association of School Psychologists (CASP). Eric has over 35 years of experience as a school psychologist. He is a co-host of the successful podcast School Psyched. As an author, Eric has written a number of articles published in peer reviewed journals, contributed numerous articles for his state association newsletter and is published in the NASP Communique. Eric has supported the practice of school psychology on a national level through his past involvement on the NASP Communications Committee and presentations at state association conferences as well as the NASP annual conferences. Eric teaches assessment as an adjunct at both Marist College and Southern Connecticut State University, where he is also on the advisory board. Eric is passionate about social and emotional learning, social justice as well as evidence-based assessment, practice and interventions.
Courtney E. Huguenin, MS, NCSP
Courtney E. Huguenin, MS, NCSP is the NASP Delegate for New York, serves on the Board of the New York Association of School Psychologists, and is Co-Chair of the NASP Professional Communication Committee. She is in her 11th year as a school psychologist on Long Island, NY and previously worked as a special education teacher for the New York City Department of Education. Courtney earned her MA in Psychology in Education from Teachers College, Columbia University and her MS in School Psychology from St. John’s University. She is also a certified PREPaRE (3rd edition) trainer. Her professional interests include advocacy, chronic absenteeism and school refusal, crisis prevention and response, suicide prevention, and school-based counseling.
Registration Information
Full Day registration includes continental breakfast, lunch, and afternoon snack
MASP Member Pricing
In Person = $195.00
Virtual = $150.00
Northeast Regional Member Pricing
In Person = $195.00
Non-Member Pricing
In Person = $225.00
Virtual = $175.00
Student Pricing
In Person = $75.00
Virtual: $50.00
Retirees Pricing
In Person: $100.00
Virtual: $75.00
Online registration only
Registration closes
Wednesday, March 18, 2026
REGISTER
Schedule for the Day:
Registration: 8:00 AM
Am: 8:30 to 12:00 PM
Lunch: 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM
PM: 1:00 PM to 3:30 PM
Brochure: Spring Workshop 2026.pdf
