Educational Leadership Conference (2007)

Tony Cellucci, Ph.D., ABBP
 

I recently attended the APA Educational Leadership Conference (2007) in Washington, DC as the ADPTC representative. The theme for the conference was "Sharing Psychology: Its Role in Education for Other Professions". The three day conference began with a keynote address by Carol Geary Schneider, President of the Association of American Colleges and Universities. She spoke on "Liberal Education and the Disciples We Need Now" highlighting national developments in education for the 21st century and a global perspective. This group has produced a report called Liberal Education & America's promise (LEAP) listing four essential learning outcomes of college education- knowledge of human cultures and the physical and natural world, intellectual and practical skills, personal and social responsibility, and integrative learning (see www.aacu.org/advocacy/leap). Her talk was followed by a reaction panel consisting of university Deans from various disciplines. Afterwards, a history of APA's involvement in undergraduate edthe APA Education Directorate.

The second dimension within the conference was a series of panel presentations highlighting what psychologists contribute to Schools of Business, Architecture, Education, Fine Arts, and Law. The speakers were asked to address: 1) who were their learners 2) curriculum requirements and any required psychology content, 3) the role of psychology, 4) challenges teaching these other professions, 5) opportunities and barriers for psychology, and 6) what APA might do to help foster psychology in these settings. Another day was devoted to examining curriculum and the contributions of psychologists in various other health professions such as Medicine, Pharmacy, Dentistry, and Public Health. I found the latter day pretty interesting, particularly dentistry, as I was less aware of how psychology was critically important in this area.

A major conference theme was that education and research efforts to solve real problems frequently cut across disciples today. Break out sessions involved discussion of how best to prepare students for multidisciplinary challenges. This raised familiar issues of narrow versus broad /general training, and the future of psychology as a unified discipline. Perhaps the most significant question for training clinics might be the degree to which we can foster multidisciplinary training. Dr. Cynthia Belar provided some perspective on health professions education and the competencies movement, as well as the need for internships (particularly in academic health science centers).

Finally, conference participants were provided a legislative update on the re- authorization of the Substance Abuse/ Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) with particular focus on the Garrett Smith Campus Suicide Prevention Program and Workforce Development for psychologists and other mental health professionals in underserved areas and populations. The conference concluded with a visit to the Hill to speak with legislators and their staffs.