A new proposal in the Georgia legislature is taking aim at one of the state’s most pressing educational challenges: the shortage of school psychologists. House Bill 81, sponsored by Rep. Bethany Ballard (R-Warner Robins), is designed to make it easier for out-of-state professionals to work in Georgia schools by joining an interstate compact that simplifies the licensing process.
How the Bill Could Help Georgia Schools
The demand for school psychologists in Georgia is far outpacing supply. In Houston County, for example, a team of just thirteen school psychologists and three diagnosticians is responsible for supporting more than 30,000 students. Each psychologist is assigned to multiple schools, and with two retirements looming, the situation is expected to become even more challenging.
Monica Smith, the county’s Student Services Coordinator, expressed concern about the staffing pressures ahead. “We have two school psychologists retiring, so I’ll have two openings. I’m not sure what I’m facing,” she said.
House Bill 81 could provide some relief. If passed, Georgia would join a group of states that have agreed to recognize each other’s school psychologist licenses, allowing professionals to move across state lines with less red tape.
The Interstate Compact and Its Stringent Standards
While the bill is designed to expedite the hiring process, it does not lower the bar for entry. The compact enforces strict requirements for school psychologists seeking to work in member states, ensuring that only qualified professionals serve students.
- Passing a national examination.
- Completing at least 1,200 hours of supervised training, with a minimum of 600 hours in a school setting.
- Holding a degree from an accredited program.
- Passing a comprehensive background check.
Rep. Ballard stressed the importance of maintaining rigorous standards while addressing the shortage. “This compact is very strenuous in the requirements for a school psychologist. Our school district is very friendly to it because we need more school psychologists working with our children,” she said.
Other States Are Already on Board
Georgia is not alone in considering this approach. West Virginia and Colorado have already joined the compact, while Nebraska and New Jersey are reviewing similar legislation this year. Lawmakers in these states view the compact as a practical solution for addressing shortages without compromising the quality of care students receive.
For districts struggling to fill open positions, the compact offers a streamlined alternative to the often-lengthy state-by-state certification process. “Reducing barriers to certification means we can bring in qualified professionals faster,” Ballard added.
What Happens Next?
The bill is currently moving through the Georgia legislature, where it will be debated and potentially revised before a final vote. If passed, it could provide much-needed relief for school districts facing critical shortages.
However, some education advocates have raised concerns about ensuring that new hires are well-versed in Georgia’s specific education laws and policies. While the compact mandates national standards, each state still has unique regulations that professionals must navigate. Lawmakers will need to balance efficiency with oversight to ensure that students receive the highest level of support possible.
For now, school administrators and policymakers will be watching closely, knowing that the outcome of this legislation could have a significant impact on the future of school psychological services in Georgia.
