Professional Development

  • Bilingual

    This presentation explores culturally competent practices for assessing English Language Learners (ELLs), with an emphasis on dyslexia evaluation in both English and Spanish. It highlights the roles of monolingual and bilingual school psychologists and introduces the integration of the Cattell-Horn-Carroll (CHC) theory to guide assessment decisions. Participants will examine how CHC’s cognitive framework—particularly broad abilities like Fluid Reasoning (Gf), Crystallized Intelligence (Gc), and Long-Term Retrieval (Glr)—can support the differentiation between language acquisition and reading disabilities. The session also emphasizes selecting linguistically and culturally responsive tools, comparing assessments conducted in English and Spanish, and applying CHC theory to ensure meaningful interpretation of results and equitable educational planning.

    Presentation Objective

    To equip monolingual and bilingual school psychologists with culturally responsive strategies for assessing dyslexia in English Language Learners, using CHC theory as a foundation for interpreting cognitive and academic data. Participants will develop an understanding of how bilingualism, cultural context, and the CHC framework intersect to influence diagnostic practices. The session aims to strengthen practitioners’ ability to choose appropriate assessment tools, analyze cross-linguistic results, and advocate for services that honor students’ diverse linguistic profiles.

  • Technology

    Technology is an integral part of our daily lives. The pandemic forced individuals to use more web based services, leaving many overwhelmed in needing to learn new technology. The amount of technology information available can be overwhelming. Given that many staff have moved on to more web based communication, school psychologists need to stay informed on how to utilize web based services to create efficiency in everyday practice.

    This presentation is to inform and educate how to use programs specific to case management, data collection, collaboration with team members digitally.

    Sessions will review how to utilize google drive services including: docs, sheets, slides, and forms to communicate with staff and collect data

Previous Presentations                           

Giambona, M., & Zadrozny Zelaya, L., (2024, October). CHC Theory in Dyslexia Assessment. Workshop presented at the CASP Annual Convention, California Association of School Psychologists.

Topalian, J., & Zadrozny Zelaya, L. (2021, April). Child abuse prevention, assessment, and reporting. Workshop presented at the CASP Spring Institute, California Association of School Psychologists.

Zadrozny Zelaya, L. (2021, November). Effective use of technology for school psychology practices: Demystifying Google Drive. Webinar presented at the CASP Annual Convention, California Association of School Psychologists.

Zadrozny Zelaya, L. (2022, April). School psych hacks: Leverage technology to work smarter, not harder. Presentation for the Kern County Association of School Psychologists (KASP) Affiliate Association.

Zadrozny Zelaya, L. (2022, October). Assessing English language learners for bilingual and monolingual school psychologists. Workshop presented at the CASP Annual Convention, California Association of School Psychologists.

Zadrozny Zelaya, L. (2022, October). Understanding and utilization of the XBASS software (including the C-LIM). Workshop presented at the CASP Annual Convention, California Association of School Psychologists.

Zadrozny Zelaya, L. (2023, October). Understanding and utilization of the XBASS software (including the C-LIM). Workshop presented at the CASP Annual Convention, California Association of School Psychologists.