Speech Language

How Does the Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) Work With Students at School?

Services and environments best suited to meet the individual needs of each child are determined and delivered through an Individualized Education Program (IEP).

Students’ speech and language goals are written to support the Idaho Common Core State Educational Standards. 

Typical service delivery options may include:

 Monitoring or periodic screening of student skills.

Collaboration and/or consulting with parents, teachers and staff regarding a student’s communication skills.

Classroom-based services.

Small group or individual therapy outside of the general education classroom.

Speech classroom where the SLP provides all pre/academic and speech/language services.

Or combinations of the above.

Speech and language services are provided for children who are eligible under the federal law known as the Individuals With Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEA), and other state and local requirements.



What Are the Roles of the School-Based SLP?


Educate and inform students, teachers and parents about communication disorders, how to prevent their occurrence if possible, and support healthy activities.

Advocate for students with communication disorders by participating in school, district, and statewide discussions or activities impacting this student population.

Screen hearing, speech and/or language skills.

Collaborate with teachers, staff and parents to provide intervening services, communication needs or accommodations for students.

Assess/evaluate student’s communication skills, interpret test results, and assist Individualized Educational Program (IEP) Teams in determining eligibility for Special Education.

Identify students with language differences, and those who may need communication assessments, based on an Evaluation Team’s decision. 

Develop/implement an IEP, as part of the IEP Team, for students who qualify for services following federal, state, and local policies and requirements. 

Document/maintain data to record student progress to insure efficacy of therapy, and provide reports to parents and other state and federal agencies. 

Supervise Speech-Language Pathology Assistants (SLPAs) or other paraprofessionals to insure appropriate and ethical therapy services.

Participate in professional development activities to stay abreast of current information, knowledge and skills, to better meet student needs.