The purpose of this presentation is to provide the participants a general guide to understanding the history of Emotional Disturbance category and the current practices in special education. Overall, participants will learn best practices in assessing students for Emotional Disturbance including the evolution of the Emotional Disturbance category and factors that influence assessment will be addressed. Further, properly understanding and applying the qualifying criteria will be presented.
Mike Giambona holds a Ph.D. in School Psychology and has been a credentialed school psychologist for over 18 years. He has created and supervised Educationally Related Mental Health Programs (ERMHS), ERMHS assessment teams, and ERMHS providers. Dr. Giambona specializes in the identification and treatment of students with mental health disorders in the educational setting.
Dr. Giambona has been adjunct faculty at the University of the Pacific for 17 years and is currently a senior lecturer at Brandman University. Dr. Giambona serves on the board of the California Association of School Psychologists and serves on the Mental Health and Public Policy Committee for CASP.
Dr. Giambona served as a technical advisor for the CDE presentation “Hispanic/Latinx Students and Significant Disproportionality” presentation in spring of 2020 and co-authored “Fostering the Whole Child: A GUIDE TO SCHOOL-BASED MENTAL HEALTH PROFESSIONALS” that was developed between CASP, CASC (school counselor association), and CAASW (school social worker association) to provide guidance to school districts for supporting student’s mental health during the stay at home order and after we return to school.
Dr. Giambona’s private practice work includes supporting school districts that have been identified as significantly disproportionate in identifying students for special education. Dr. Giambona’s supports include psychoeducational assessment audits, multiple trainings for school psychologists, development of special education policies and procedures, development of psychoeducational templates, and ERMHS programs.
Dr. Giambona regularly presents at state and national conferences in the areas of school psychology.
To register visit: https://www.vcasp.org/workshops
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