School-Based Speech-Language Pathologists' Adherence to Practice Guidelines for Assessment of English Learners

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-12
Author(s):  
Virginia L. Dubasik ◽  
Dubravka Svetina Valdivia
Keyword(s):  
Professional Practice ◽  
Practice Guidelines ◽  
Case History ◽  
English Learners ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Dynamic Assessment ◽  
Federal Legislation ◽  
Assessment Practices ◽  
Speech Language Pathologists ◽  
School Based

Purpose The purpose of this study was to ascertain the extent to which school-based speech-language pathologists' (SLPs) assessment practices with individual English learners (ELs) align with federal legislation and professional practice guidelines. Specifically, we were interested in examining SLPs' use of multiple tools during individual EL assessments, as well as relationships between practices and number of types of training experiences. Method School-based SLPs in a Midwestern state were recruited in person or via e-mail to complete an online survey pertaining to assessment. Of the 562 respondents who completed the survey, 222 (39.5%) indicated past or present experience with ELs, and thus, their data were included in the analyses. The questionnaire solicited information about respondent's demographics, caseload composition, perceived knowledge and skills and training experiences pertaining to working with ELs (e.g., graduate school, self-teaching, professional conferences), and assessment practices used in schools. Results The majority of respondents reported using multiple tools rather than a single tool with each EL they assess. Case history and observation were tools used often or always by the largest number of participants. SLPs who used multiple tools reported using both direct (e.g., standardized tests, dynamic assessment) and indirect tools (e.g., case history, interviews). Analyses revealed low to moderate positive associations between tools, as well as the use of speech-language samples and number of types of training experiences. Conclusions School-based SLPs in the current study reported using EL assessment practices that comply with federal legislation and professional practice guidelines for EL assessment. These results enhance our understanding of school-based SLPs' assessment practices with ELs and may be indicative of a positive shift toward evidence-based practice.

Speech-Language Pathologists' Perceptions of School-Based Services for Children With Hearing Loss

2020 ◽  
Vol 51 (2) ◽  
pp. 469-478
Author(s):  
Sarah Allen ◽  
Robert Mayo
Keyword(s):  
Hearing Loss ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Working Relationships ◽  
Speech Language Pathologists ◽  
School Aged Children ◽  
School Based ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Positive Feelings ◽  
Children With Hearing Loss ◽  
Perceptions Of School

Purpose School-aged children with hearing loss are best served by a multidisciplinary team of professionals. The purpose of this research was to assess school-based speech-language pathologists' (SLPs) perceptions of their access to, involvement of, and working relationships with educational audiologists in their current work setting. Method An online survey was developed and distributed to school-based SLPs in North Carolina. Results A significant difference in access to and involvement of educational audiologists across the state was found. Conclusions This research contributes to professional knowledge by providing information about current perceptions in the field about interprofessional practice in a school-based setting. Overall, SLPs reported positive feelings about their working relationship with educational audiologists and feel the workload is distributed fairly.

Facilitating Parental Involvement in Speech Therapy for Children With Speech Sound Disorders: A Survey of Speech-Language Pathologists' Practices, Perspectives, and Strategies

2020 ◽  
Vol 29 (4) ◽  
pp. 1987-1996
Author(s):  
Sherine R. Tambyraja
Keyword(s):  
Parental Involvement ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Speech Therapy ◽  
Speech Sound ◽  
Speech Sound Disorders ◽  
Speech Sound Disorder ◽  
Speech Language Pathologists ◽  
School Based ◽  
Homework Completion

Purpose This study investigated the extent to which speech-language pathologists (SLPs) facilitate parents' completion of homework activities for children with speech sound disorder (SSD). In addition, this study explored factors related to more consistent communication about homework completion and strategies considered particularly effective for supporting this element of parental involvement. Method Licensed SLPs serving at least one child with SSD were invited to participate in an online survey. Questions relevant to this study gathered information regarding (a) frequency of communication about homework distribution and follow-up, (b) demographic and workplace characteristics, and (c) an open-ended question about the specific strategies used to support parental involvement and completion of homework activities. Results Descriptive results indicated considerable variability with respect to how frequently SLPs engaged in communication about homework completion, but that school-based SLPs were significantly less likely to engage in this type of follow-up. Strategies considered effective, however, were similar across therapy contexts. Conclusion These results suggest potentially important differences between school-based services and therapy in other contexts with respect to this particular aspect of service provision for children with SSD.

Dynamic Assessment With Bilinguals: A Focus on Increasing Clinicians' Confidence

2015 ◽  
Vol 22 (3) ◽  
pp. 112-121 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brenda K. Gorman
Keyword(s):  
Standardized Tests ◽  
Dynamic Assessment ◽  
English Speakers ◽  
Bilingual Children ◽  
Assessment Practices ◽  
Speech Language Pathologists ◽  
Idea 2004 ◽  
Disabilities Education Act ◽  
Effective Dynamic ◽  
Education Act

Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) are obligated to judiciously select and administer appropriate assessments without inherent cultural or linguistic bias (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act [IDEA], 2004). Nevertheless, clinicians continue to struggle with appropriate assessment practices for bilingual children, and diagnostic decisions are too often based on standardized tests that were normed predominately on monolingual English speakers (Caesar & Kohler, 2007). Dynamic assessment is intended to be a valid and unbiased approach for ascertaining what a child knows and can do, yet many speech-language pathologists (SLPs) struggle in knowing what and how to assess within this paradigm. Therefore, the aim of this paper is to present a clinical scenario and summarize extant research on effective dynamic language assessment practices, with a focus on specific language tasks and procedures, in order to foster SLPs' confidence in their use of dynamic assessment with bilingual children.

School-Based Speech-Language Pathologists' Perceived Self-Efficacy in Conducting Multidimensional Treatment With Children Who Stutter

2020 ◽  
Vol 51 (4) ◽  
pp. 1172-1186
Author(s):  
Carolina Beita-Ell ◽  
Michael P. Boyle
Keyword(s):  
Self Efficacy ◽  
Clinical Training ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
The United States ◽  
Comfort Level ◽  
Social Emotional ◽  
Speech Language Pathologists ◽  
Fluency Disorders ◽  
Cognitive Components ◽  
School Based

Purpose The purposes of this study were to examine the self-efficacy of school-based speech-language pathologists (SLPs) in conducting multidimensional treatment with children who stutter (CWS) and to identify correlates of self-efficacy in treating speech-related, social, emotional, and cognitive domains of stuttering. Method Three hundred twenty randomly selected school-based SLPs across the United States responded to an online survey that contained self-efficacy scales related to speech, social, emotional, and cognitive components of stuttering. These ratings were analyzed in relation to participants' beliefs about stuttering treatment and their comfort level in treating CWS, perceived success in therapy, and empathy levels, in addition to their academic and clinical training in fluency disorders as well as demographic information. Results Overall, SLPs reported moderate levels of self-efficacy on each self-efficacy scale and on a measure of total self-efficacy. Significant positive associations were observed between SLPs' self-efficacy perceptions and their comfort level in treating CWS, self-reported success in treatment, beliefs about the importance of multidimensional treatment, and self-reported empathy. There were some discrepancies between what SLPs believed was important to address in stuttering therapy and how they measured success in therapy. Conclusions Among school-based SLPs, self-efficacy for treating school-age CWS with a multidimensional approach appears stronger than previously reported; however, more progress in training and experience is needed for SLPs to feel highly self-efficacious in these areas. Continuing to improve clinician self-efficacy for stuttering treatment through improved academic training and increased clinical experiences should remain a high priority in order to enhance outcomes for CWS. Supplemental Material https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.12978194

scholarly journals Augmentative and Alternative Communication Telepractice During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A National Survey of Speech-Language Pathologists

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-19
Author(s):  
Elizabeth E. Biggs ◽  
Michelle C. S. Therrien ◽  
Sarah N. Douglas ◽  
Melinda R. Snodgrass
Keyword(s):  
Augmentative And Alternative Communication ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
The Novel ◽  
Alternative Communication ◽  
Speech Language Pathologists ◽  
Five Dimensions ◽  
Know How ◽  
School Based ◽  
Aided Aac ◽  
Novel Coronavirus

Purpose: The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has led to sudden, widespread use of telepractice, including providing services to children who use aided augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). This exploratory study examined speech-language pathologists' (SLPs) experiences using telepractice to provide services to children and youth aged 3–21 years who used aided AAC during the earlier months of the pandemic (May–June 2020). Method: Three hundred thirty-one SLPs responded to an online survey. Closed- and open-ended survey items were analyzed quantitatively and qualitatively and mixed at the point of interpretation to understand the experiences of SLPs related to the use of telepractice with children who use aided AAC, including how they perceived effectiveness. Results: Most SLPs were using telepractice to provide both direct and consultation/coaching services to children who used aided AAC. There was fairly wide variation in perceptions of effectiveness of both types of services, but SLPs were more likely to rate consultation/coaching services as being more effective than direct services. SLPs identified factors impacting effectiveness across five dimensions: broader factors, practice-based factors (i.e., technology, the type of services), the child, parents and family members, and professionals. School-based SLPs perceived telepractice as being less effective than non–school-based SLPs. Conclusions: The use of telepractice during the COVID-19 pandemic has unfolded quite differently for different SLPs and the children who use aided AAC that they serve. Although AAC telepractice offers promise for the future, particularly for partnering with families, further research is needed to know how to overcome challenges experienced by SLPs. Supplemental Material https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.17139434

Dynamic Assessment: Whys and Hows

2010 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 80-87
Author(s):  
Lynette Austin
Keyword(s):  
Language Skills ◽  
Dynamic Assessment ◽  
Strong Support ◽  
Linguistically Diverse ◽  
Culturally And Linguistically Diverse ◽  
Relevant Research ◽  
Speech Language Pathologists ◽  
School Based ◽  
Diverse Backgrounds

Recent research indicates that speech-language pathologists (SLPs) typically do not implement dynamic assessment (DA) in evaluating the language skills of children from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, despite recommendations from the American Speeh-Lanugage-Hearing Association (ASHA) and strong support in the literature. This article reviews different dynamic assessment formats and relevant research while making a case for DA implementation in school-based practices. Steps in designing dynamic assessments are outlined, and sample dynamic assessment write-ups from actual cases are provided.

Vocabulary Intervention: A National Survey of School-Based Speech–Language Pathologists

2019 ◽  
Vol 41 (3) ◽  
pp. 151-161 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sara C. Steele
Keyword(s):  
Language Impairment ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
School Age Children ◽  
School Age ◽  
Teaching Techniques ◽  
Speech Language Pathologists ◽  
Vocabulary Intervention ◽  
School Settings ◽  
School Based ◽  
Frequency Counts

This study documented the perspectives of school-based speech–language pathologists (SLPs) who provide vocabulary intervention to students with language impairment. SLPs ( n = 357) working in school settings completed an online survey that included multiple choice, multiple answer, and open-ended questions about service delivery, intervention approaches, and teaching techniques and activities. Percentages, frequency counts, and a qualitative analysis of open-ended questions created a broad account of vocabulary intervention practices. Results showed that SLPs use a variety of approaches and techniques to address vocabulary deficits in school-age children.

Confidence of School-Based Speech-Language Pathologists and School Psychologists in Assessing Students With Hearing Loss and Other Co-Occurring Disabilities

2019 ◽  
Vol 50 (2) ◽  
pp. 224-236 ◽  
Author(s):  
Monica P. Muncy ◽  
Sarah E. Yoho ◽  
Maryellen Brunson McClain
Keyword(s):  
Hearing Loss ◽  
School Psychologists ◽  
Professional Training ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Interdisciplinary Collaboration ◽  
The United States ◽  
Professional Organizations ◽  
Speech Language Pathologists ◽  
School Based ◽  
Children With Hearing Loss

PurposeThis study assessed the confidence of speech-language pathologists (SLPs) and school psychologists (SPs) in working with children with hearing loss (HL) and other co-occurring disabilities. Professionals' opinions on barriers to and importance of interdisciplinary collaboration were also of interest.MethodA 59-item online survey was distributed to SLPs and SPs in the United States through state professional organizations and social media posts. A total of 320 respondents completed the survey and met criteria. Perceptions of confidence across 5 different skill set types were assessed, along with experiences and attitudes concerning professional training and interdisciplinary collaboration.ResultsA 2-way analysis of variance revealed significant main effects of profession and skill set type on professionals' confidence in assessing a student with HL and other co-occurring disabilities, as well as their confidence in determining the etiology of a student's difficulties. Results from a multiple linear regression revealed the number of students worked with who have HL and the amount of training in graduate school as significant predictors of confidence in both aforementioned skill set types. Results indicate that respondents value interdisciplinary collaboration but that time and access to other professionals are barriers to collaboration.ConclusionsResults of the current study indicate that many school-based SLPs and SPs have insufficient training or experience in working with students who have HL and other co-occurring disabilities. Limited training and experience with this unique population among practitioners have the potential to affect the quality of services provided to these students and thus need to be addressed within the school system and the fields of school psychology and speech-language pathology.Supplemental Materialhttps://doi.org/10.23641/asha.7772867

Practice Patterns of Speech-Language Pathologists in Pediatric Vocal Health

2017 ◽  
Vol 26 (2) ◽  
pp. 281-300 ◽  
Author(s):  
Naomi A. Hartley ◽  
Maia Braden ◽  
Susan L. Thibeault
Keyword(s):  
Practice Guidelines ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Current Practice ◽  
Practice Patterns ◽  
The United States ◽  
Speech Language Pathologists ◽  
Clinical Specialty ◽  
Vocal Health ◽  
Research Education ◽  
Workplace Setting

Purpose The purpose of this study was to investigate current practices of speech-language pathologists (SLPs) in the management of pediatric vocal health, with specific analysis of the influence of clinical specialty and workplace setting on management approaches. Method American Speech-Language-Hearing Association–certified clinicians providing services within the United States (1%–100% voice caseload) completed an anonymous online survey detailing clinician demographics; employment location and service delivery models; approaches to continuing professional development; and specifics of case management, including assessment, treatment, and discharge procedures. Results Current practice patterns were analyzed for 100 SLPs (0–42 years of experience; 77 self-identifying as voice specialists) providing services in 34 U.S. states across a range of metropolitan and nonmetropolitan workplace settings. In general, SLPs favored a multidisciplinary approach to management; included perceptual, instrumental, and quality of life measures during evaluation; and tailored intervention to the individual using a combination of therapy approaches. In contrast with current practice guidelines, only half reported requiring an otolaryngology evaluation prior to initiating treatment. Both clinical specialty and workplace setting were found to affect practice patterns. SLPs in school settings were significantly less likely to consider themselves voice specialists compared with all other work environments. Those SLPs who considered themselves voice specialists were significantly more likely to utilize voice-specific assessment and treatment approaches. Conclusion SLP practice largely mirrors current professional practice guidelines; however, potential exists to further enhance client care. To ensure that SLPs are best able to support children in successful communication, further research, education, and advocacy are required.

Perspectives of Speech-Language Pathologists and School Counselors on the Nature and Treatment of Selective Mutism

2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (4) ◽  
pp. 1045-1056
Author(s):  
Kimberly F. Frazier ◽  
Kelsey Howard
Keyword(s):  
School Counselors ◽  
Practice Guidelines ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Selective Mutism ◽  
Therapy Process ◽  
Theory Approach ◽  
Speech Language Pathologists ◽  
Intervention Process ◽  
Behavioral Therapies ◽  
Grounded Theory Approach

Background The aim of this study was to determine the preferred practice guidelines of speech-language pathologists (SLPs) and school counselors on treating selective mutism (SM) and how families are involved in the intervention process. Method Two hundred one SLPs and school counselors took part in this study. A grounded theory approach was used to develop a brief online survey that included 10 multiple-response items and three questions allowing participants to provide write-in responses. Results Generally, both SLPs and school counselors agreed with the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association's preferred practice guidelines on treating SM, with behavioral therapies selected most frequently as the treatment of choice, and participants almost unanimously agreed that family inclusion was “very important.” Conclusion This research sheds light on how professionals who work with children with SM include parents in the therapy process and their preferred intervention techniques used.

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