The Role of the Speech-Language Pathologist in Special Education

Catalog description

Speech-Language Pathologists have modified and expanded their role in the education setting in response to populations in need of their expertise and services in the areas of speech, language, cognitive-communication, voice, fluency, swallowing, and hearing loss. Graduate students in this course learn base knowledge of the integral role of the SLP as a school-based therapist. This course is designed to provide information about the range of service delivery models in schools, considerations for providing these services, and relevant resources. Topics include: meeting the tenets of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA; 2004) by delivering a free and appropriate public education program (FAPE) in the least restrictive environment (LRE). The complexity of caseload scheduling, MTSS (Multi-tiered Student Support) and Response to Intervention (RTI) processes, Individualized Education Plan (IEP) and IEP team participation and decision-making, the re-evaluation process, caseload management, recommending classroom supports/modifications, etc. This course addresses the challenges facing school-based SLPs (i.e., “speech teacher” title, high caseloads, teacher salary pay scale). Topics include: legislative mandates, current issues in education impacting traditional roles of school-based SLPs, SLP Assistants/Aides, service delivery model of diverse populations (e.g., ASD, DHH), AAC in schools, best practices, multi-disciplinary collaborative practice, data collection, and accountability measures. Basic sign language skills are taught during this course. Corequisite(s): SLPP 5101 and SLPP 5102 and SLPP 5103 and SLPP 5104 and SLPP 5106 Lecture Hours: 2 Contact Hours: 2 Repeatability: May not be repeated for credit up to 2 times. Grade Mode: Normal (A, B, C, D, F) College Restrictions: College of Allied Health Sciences Major Restrictions: SLPP - Speech-Language Pathology Student Class Restrictions: GS Graduate Semester Course Level Restrictions: GS Graduate Semester Campus Restrictions: Main Campus Schedule Type (Primary): Lecture/Supervised Lab/Clinic Click here for the Schedule of Classes.