Res. No. 507
Resolution calling on the New York State Legislature to pass, and the Governor to sign, S.3278/A.1745, which provides for the licensure of school psychology practitioners
By Council Members Williams and Louis
Whereas, Under current New York State law, school psychologists are restricted to practice within school settings, which include public and private schools, State Education Department approved preschool programs, New York State Department of Health Early Intervention programs, college and university settings, and some state and federal agencies; and
Whereas, School psychologist advocacy groups such as the New York Association of School Psychologists (NYASP) and the New York State School Boards Association (NYSSBA) have proposed that providing licensure for school psychologists would both allow them to serve children and youth outside of the forementioned spaces and give youth access to a larger pool of professionals; and
Whereas, According to a survey of school superintendents in New York State, 29 percent of surveyed superintendents report that their school districts lack enough school psychologists to meet student needs; and
Whereas, The same survey results indicate that 66 percent of New York State school psychologists report that there are not enough practitioners to meet the demand that exists; and
Whereas, Research indicates that school psychologists’ skills are underutilized and their caseloads are unmanageable; and
Whereas, A 2021 nationwide study of school psychologists found that 30 percent of school psychologists reported unreasonable levels of job-related stress, 90 percent either agreed or strongly agreed that their job was highly stressful, and nearly half had considered leaving the field; and
Whereas, A study of retention of current school psychologists, found that professional fatigue in the field is common and is exacerbated by factors such as limited career advancement opportunities, and a lack of value in their contributions from administrators; and
Whereas, The number of New York City Department of Education school psychologists is 18 percent below the national standard for school psychologists, which is one school psychologist per 500 students, according to a 2025 report by the City Comptroller’s office; and
Whereas, S.3278, introduced by State Senator Samra G. Brouk, and A.1745 introduced by State Assembly Member Linda Rosenthal, would provide for the licensure of school psychology practitioners; and
Whereas, Giving school psychologists in New York State more flexibility to work outside of traditional school settings would expand the usefulness of their degrees, make the profession more attractive to prospective entrants, and help address burnout, retention challenges, and high caseloads by encouraging more people to become licensed; now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the Council of the City of New York calls on the New York State Legislature to pass, and the Governor to sign, S.3278/A.1745, which provides for the licensure of school psychology practitioners.
JC
LS #23719
5/14/2026