High School Psychology

Join us on Facebook

Publications

New problem-focused unit plan

This new unit lesson plan uses the problem of childhood obesity as a way to teach psychological content.

APA Teachers of Psychology in Secondary Schools: News

Professional Development Awards for High School Psychology Teachers
Apply by April 1, 2014, for up to $500 to attend convention.
TOPSS Competition for High School Psychology Students
Students should submit essays by April 1, 2014.
APA-Clark University Workshop for High School Teachers
Apply by April 15, 2014, to attend the workshop.
APA Convention Award Program for High School Psychology Teachers and Students
Apply by April 15, 2014, for funding to attend convention (especially for D.C. metro area).
High School Psychology Teacher Network Grants
Apply by May 1, 2014, for support to develop local and regional networks of psychology teachers.
Pre-Convention Workshop for Psychology Teachers
Register by June 1, 2014, to attend workshop focused on hard-to-learn topics, technology, and the DSM-5 and ICD.

National Standards for High School Psychology Curricula
Learning objectives for students and guidance for teaching based on active learning principles.
Guidelines for Preparing High School Psychology Teachers: Course-Based and Standards-Based Approaches
Outlining training models for the preparation of teachers of high school psychology.

APA Committee of Teachers of Psychology in Secondary Schools
Mission statement, members and staff liaison for the TOPSS committee.

2013 TOPSS student competition winners announced
The TOPSS Competition for High School Psychology Students had four winners in 2013.
2013 Intel ISEF winners announced
APA awarded seven Special Awards at the 2013 Intel International Science and Engineering Fair.
2013 Academic Achievement in Psychology Students
Certificate winners for 2013.
Join APA as a Student Affiliate
Become a high school student affiliate and enjoy many great benefits!
The APA supports student research through the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) and through ISEF-affiliated regional science fairs.

Membership
Become a high school teacher affiliate and enjoy many great benefits!
About TOPSS
TOPSS is the voice of high school psychology teachers within the association.

A collection of TOPSS and other APA resources for teachers of introductory psychology, including curriculum and classroom tools such as:

TOPSS Unit Lesson Plans
Five- to seven-day units that include a procedural timeline, content outline, suggested resources, activities and references.
Resource Manual for New Teachers of High School Psychology
This resource manual provides resources and helpful suggestions to new psychology teachers.
Videos for high school psychology teachers
Recorded at the 2012 APA/Clark University Workshop and at the 2012 APA Annual Convention in Orlando, Fla.
Psychology Teachers Network (PTN) Newsletter
Articles on research or topics of special interest to teachers of psychology appear in each issue.
Online Module on Research Methods, Measurement and Statistics
A module to review topics such as research methods and measurements used to study behavior and mental processes, ethical issues in research with human and nonhuman animals, and basic concepts in data analysis.
Online Psychology Laboratory
Offers students opportunities to participate in studies and engage in data analysis
Workshops and Conferences
Teaching workshops and conferences are great venues for professional development and networking.
Science Fairs, Clubs and Student Research
Students learn the practical applications of psychology by participating in a school psychology club or creating experiments for a science fair.