Date: 05-08-2025
Time: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Location: Zoom
Topic: Strength-Based Assessments in School Psychology
Presenter: Dr. Kelsie Reed, Ph.D., NCSP
Presenter Bio: About the Presenter
Dr. Kelsie Reed is a school psychologist serving elementary and middle school students in Prince George County Public Schools, Maryland. She specializes in strength-based assessment and inclusive education practices. Dr. Reed is the co-author of Hacking Deficit Thinking, a book that helps educators adopt strength-based approaches in schools, and the founder of the Strength-Based Collective, a hub for strength-based resources for educators and parents. She is passionate about advancing educational equity for racially minoritized students, promoting neurodiversity-affirming practices in special education, and disrupting the school-to-prison pipeline.
Program Description
This session helps school psychologists move from deficit-based assessments toward strength-based, affirming, and student-centered practices. Participants will explore how to meaningfully identify and communicate student strengths at every stage of the assessment process. With a focus on practical tools, relevant examples, and everyday application, this session offers strategies that can be immediately integrated into school psychology practice.
Learning Objectives
By the end of this session, participants will be able to:
1. Analyze the limitations and unintended consequences of deficit-based assessment practices
2. Explain the key components and benefits of a strength-based approach to assessment
3. Incorporate strength-based tools, language, and strategies into interviews, testing sessions, report writing, and feedback meetings