Education and Speech Language Pathology: A Team Approach

Speech Language Pathologists are a vital part of the total educational team of our schools. They work with administrators, teachers, parents, social workers, psychologists, nurses, and other special education staff on behalf of students with communication impairments. Speech Language Pathologists help students and parents with assessment, consultation, and service delivery through school based Speech Language Programs. Speech Language Pathologists in the school setting help children and youth overcome communication barriers that may impede their school success.

Speech Language Pathologists' Offer:

• Assessment
• Consultation
• Individual intervention
• Small group intervention
• Parent meetings
• Special education student support
• Community resources
• Direct and indirect services
• Augmentative and alternative communication

Speech Language Pathologists' Role 

Helping students to:

• Improve their speaking intelligibility
• Use age appropriate articulation skills
• Use language to understand the speech of others
• Use language to effectively express their needs to others
• Use smooth and easy fluent speech
• Use the best quality voice possible

Supporting Parents to:

• Effectively participate in their child’s education
• Understand the special education process and services
• Understand the normal development of speech and language
• Understand how communication fits into the school day
• Reinforce good communication skills at home

Assisting Educators to:

• Understand the normal development of speech and language skills
• Understand how speech and language relates to literacy and curriculum materials
• Help complete pre-referral interventions
• Help identify appropriate referrals
• Meet educational outcomes for students of varying skill levels
• Participate in the special education process

Working with administrators to:

• Ensure compliance with special education laws and due process

Learn more from the following websites: