THE ISPA AWARD 2002

HERB BISCHOFF

Herb has been involved with international school psychology since the mid nineteen-seventies, and has been a member of ISPA since its inception in 1973. Between 1980-1982 he was Liaison Representative, and was elected to the first Executive Committee in 1982, serving on it for seven years until 1988. He served as President of ISPA from 1985-1986. During his term on the EC he was instrumental in the drafting of the Constitution and Bylaws and the Code of Ethics, and worked actively with Holt, Rinehart & Winston, and then with Sage Publications, to adopt School Psychology International as the official journal of the Association. He later became active in several ISPA committees, notably as Chair of the Communications Committee from1990 till 1992, as a member of the planning committee for the International Conference on Children's Rights in1992, and as Co-Chair of the Publications and Communications Committee from 1997 to 1998.

Herb presided over first “independent” ISPA colloquium in Southampton in 1985. He strove to maintain the less formal, personal and social aspects of the colloquium experience, helping to set up the traditions that have become such an integral part of the colloquia. He was also instrumental in initiating the traveling seminars as part of the Colloquium experience, now a regular annual feature.

One of Herb's major achievements was in leading the efforts to reorganize ISPA's organizational structure, focusing on the importance of committee work and the role of affiliate organizations. Through his efforts, ISPA became a financially viable organization for the first time.

Herb focused on the importance of diversity within the field of school psychology while maintaining the essential importance of individual expertise. He promoted the relevancy of international school psychology for individuals through international unity while maintaining national autonomy, and encouraged the growth of the profession in developing countries.

This award is a small token of our deep appreciation and thanks to Herb for all he has done for ISPA over the last twenty-five years as an advocate of our goals for humanity and for children.

Peg Dawson, President
Nyborg, Denmark, July, 2002