A Comparison of Speech-Language Pathologists in Rural and Urban School Districts in the State of Washington

Questionnaires were sent to speech-language pathologists who work in rural and urban school districts in the state of Washington in order to compare employment in these environments. Significant differences were found in program development, travel time, contact with peers, number of schools served, plans for changing job settings, years of experience, years of employment at their current positions, number of hours spent in continuing education, and type of continuing education activities attended. Similarities were found in place of residence, time spent in direct services, hours of inservice provided, contact with supervisors, number of students served, job satisfaction and preservice preparation. These results are discussed in relation to service delivery, retention, and job satisfaction.