Aloha Notes: My career as a School Psychologist in Hawaii

Getting hired in Hawaii. Finding the "Job Opportunities" section on the Hawaii State DOE website can be confusing. Here is one way to see if Hawaii is hiring any school psychologists. I'd also recommend that you set up a google alert so that you will get notified when a new position is listed. The hiring process takes forrrr-evvvvv-errrr....so apply early. Just do it. Get your name on "the list"--even if you aren't officially done. :) 1) http://doe.k12.hi.us/personnel/index.htm Go to the above website. 2) If you are looking for a school psychologist position, click on the Classified/Support Services. 3) Then Select View Employment Opportunities 4) In the search field add; "psychologist" Hopefully you'll see a number of positions available. Currently, there are masters level school psychologist positions available for the Big Island and Molokai. Check it out! Good Luck.

An  Initial Line of Inquiry (ILI)  is used to collect information for a  Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA)   I've had many parents request an online or electronic version of the questionnaire that I send home for a behavior assessment. Here you go ! Every behavior has a purpose or function for it, usually to either get something or avoid something.  Examples: You begin to talk on the phone and your child starts calling you over and over.  The function of this behavior would be to get your attention.  Or a student repeatedly disrupts the class when the teacher asks them to take out their math books.  He is then reprimanded and sent out of the room.  The function of this behavior could be to avoid the classwork. So, a functional behavior assessment or FBA is a series of structured questions designed to discover the reasons behind certain target behaviors (usually undesirable ones) and develop a behavior pl...

HAPPY NEW YEAR! 2013!  I dont know about you, but Im ready to start a new year! This past year came with many lessons--some good, some difficult.  This year taught me about the unspoken politics and gossip that can tear through campuses. I connected with many amazing families and gained a new understanding of their triumphs and trials I was quickly reminded what i say doesnt always matter....even if I consult on a case, leave detailed notes on what is or is not appropriate to request for testing, and even emphasize best practices through training. Unless I'm at the meeting--it's not up to me. I've learned to let go of the things that aren't done by the book (or are legally defensible) when they are ultimately not my responsibility. On a personal note, I was able to FINALLY understand and acknowledge that when I'm upset in a meeting (related or unrelated to what's actually being discussed)...it's obvious. What universe have I been living in before...