Speech Assistants: Scope and Role

1. Speech Assistants:Scope and Role Resources for Self-Paced Instruction Click to continue

2. Introducing this Module • This module is designed to provide information for speech assistants who are beginning to work under the direct supervision of a speech-language pathologist (SLP). • Content focuses on: 1) procedural aspects of becoming a speech assistant and 2) the process of working with the supervising SLP. • This module does NOT focus on specific content skills. Skill training must be addressed through other professional development activities. Click to continue

3. Introducing this Module • Read at your own pace and click the arrow at the bottom right side of the screen to advance to the next slide. • Resources are provided as links within the module. • You will find links for documents, websites, and forms. Click to continue

4. Introducing this Module • To access the online links on your computer, you • must have internet access. • It is possible that when you attempt to access an • online link it may take some time to connect to the • internet… try to be patient. • If your wait is more than 1-2 minutes try again at another • time when the online connections are faster. Click to continue

5. Introducing this Module • Some of the bullets in this module are designed to enter automatically to allow the reader time to focus on each item as it appears. • Slides with automatic bullets include a clock icon . When you see on a slide give the bullets time to appear before you click to move on. If you click too rapidly you will miss information as the slide advances. Click to continue

6. Introducing this Module • As you read, you will notice that some words and phrases are underlined. • The underline indicates a link either to a separate document or to an online resource. Click on the underlined words to activate the links. • After you visit a link you may close it and return to the PowerPoint (PPT) by simply clicking back into the PPT. Click to continue

7. Introducing this Module • Document links are accompanied by . • On-line links are accompanied by . • To access any link, click on the underlined words not the icon. The icons are just a hint. • If you do not have Microsoft Word or Acrobat Reader installed on your computer, you may access free downloads on the next slide. If you do have Microsoft Word and Acrobat Reader you do NOT need to download these. Click to continue

8. Downloading FREE Viewers • Clicking on the the following will take you to online resources to download FREE Viewers. These will allow you to view and print documents. Remember if you already have the software installed on your computer it is not necessary to download. • Viewer for PDF Acrobat Reader (If you have an old version of Acrobat Reader you may wish to update now.) • Microsoft Word Document Viewer Click to continue

9. Beginning your module • To access links to online information or other documents remember to click on the underlined words NOT the helper icon. • ClickWVDE websiteto view. After you have finished visiting the website, click the close box at the top of the screen or minimize the window to return to this module. Click to continue

10. WVDE Definition: Speech Assistants • Speech assistants -individuals who may provide services to students with communication disorders under the guidance and direction of a certified SLP. They may assist the supervising SLP with record keeping, generalization of learned skills to multiple settings, implementation of assistive technology devices/services, services for diverse and underserved populations, and other responsibilities. • (WVDE, 2004) Click to continue

11. ASHA Definition: Support Personnel • Support personnel (in speech-language pathology) -are people who, following academic and/or on-the-job training, perform tasks as prescribed, directed, and supervised by certified speech-language pathologists. There are different levels of support personnel based on training and scope of responsibilities. • (ASHA, 1994) Click to continue

12. WVDE Guidelines • The West Virginia Department of Education has published Guidelines for the Use of Speech Assistants in West Virginia Public Schools. The Guidelines became effective January, 2004. • The Guidelines document is included in the module. To access it, you may click on the following link and print. WVDE Guidelines (PDF) • OR.. you may go to the WVDE website and view the guidelines there. Click to continue

13. Speech Assistant Criteria • Hold a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in speech pathology or communication disorders from an accredited institution; • Be employed by a local West Virginia board of education; According to WVDE the applicant must meet the following requirements : Click to continue

14. Speech Assistant Criteria The applicant must meet the following requirements : • Receive the recommendation of the district superintendent verifying that the applicant is the most qualified candidate for the position and that no fully certified speech-language pathologist has applied for the available position; and • Complete Form 38 & Form 38A and submit them to WVDE (these forms are included later in the module) Click to continue

15. Registration Forms • Form 38 (Temporary Authorization for Speech Assistant & Form 38A, Supplement to Form 38 are contained in one document) must be completed and submitted. • Guidelines for the use of Speech-Language Pathology Assistants (SLPA) County Supervision Form Required Signatures: Speech Assistant County Superintendent Supervising SLP Click to continue

16. Supervising the Speech Assistant • Who develops the plan for supervising the speech assistant? • “It is the responsibility of the supervising SLP and the special education director to collaboratively design and implement a supervision system that maintains the highest possible standard of quality.” (WVDE Guidelines p. 8) Click to continue

17. The Supervision Plan • The supervising SLP and special education director collaboratively design and implement a supervision system. • The amount and type of supervision required should be based on the skills and experience of the speech assistant. • The supervisory responsibilities should be mutually agreed on by the supervising SLP and special education director. (WVDE Guidelines p.11) Click to continue

18. Documenting Your Supervision Plan • To complete the supervision plan the SLP and Director of Special Education must complete and submit appropriate documentation. See the documentation form included later in this module. Click to continue

19. Requirements for Your Supervisor • WVDE Guidelines specify: 1. Your supervising SLP must hold a master’s degree 2. Your supervising SLP must be certified through WVDE 3. Your supervising SLP must have practiced speech language pathology for at least two (2) years following certification. Click to continue

20. What are your Supervisor’s Responsibilities? • The amount of supervision depends on the complexity of the case and on your experience as a speech assistant. • 14 Specific responsibilities of your supervising SLP are listed in the WVDE Guidelines. (Scroll down to pp. 8-9) • These are listed on the next slide. Click to continue

21. 1. Inform families 2. Represent team 3. Determine caseload 4. Communicate with families 5. Diagnosis & evaluation 6. IEP review 7. Delegate tasks to assistant 8. Develop/ Review IEP 9. Interactions w/ other professionals 10. Review & sign progress notes 11. Coordinate assistant training 12. Provide & document supervision 13. Ensure practice is within scope of responsibility 14. Performance appraisal of assistant . Responsibilities of Supervising SLP Click to continue

22. According to WVDE Guidelines: “ Tasks executed by speech assistants must be within their scope of responsibilities and include only those tasks they have the expertise and training to perform.” Speech Assistant Responsibilities Click to continue

23. Appropriate Tasks for you as a Speech Assistant • Conduct speech-language screenings (without interpretation) following specified screening protocols selected by the supervising SLP. • Provide direct therapy to identified students. • Follow goals and objectives identified on the IEP and plans developed by your supervising SLP. . Under SLP Supervision you may: Click to continue

24. Appropriate Tasks for you as a Speech Assistant • Document student progress toward meeting established goals and objectives as stated in the IEP and report this information to your supervising SLP. • Assist your supervising SLP during assessment of students, as directed. . Under SLP Supervision you may: Click to continue .

25. Appropriate Tasks for you as a Speech Assistant • Assist with informal documentation (notes, tallying, etc.). • Assist with other clerical duties as assigned by your supervising SLP. • Schedule activities, prepare charts, records, graphs, or otherwise display data. Under SLP Supervision you may: Click to continue .

26. Appropriate Tasks for you as a Speech Assistant • Perform checks and maintenance of equipment. • Participate with the SLP in research projects, staff development and public relations programs, as deemed appropriate by the SLP. • Assist in the implementation of assistive technology devices and services as deemed appropriate by the SLP. Under SLP Supervision you may: . Click to continue

27. Tasks Outside Your Scope of Responsibilities as an Assistant • You mayNOT perform standardized or non-standardized diagnostic tests, formal or informal evaluations, or interpret test results. • You mayNOT participate in parent conferences or any team meeting not designated by your supervising SLP. As a Speech Assistant…. . Click to continue .

28. Tasks Outside Your Scope of Responsibilities as an Assistant • You may NOT Assist with student’s therapy without following the IEP prepared by your supervising SLP or without access to supervision. • You may NOT sign any formal documents without approval of your supervising SLP. As a Speech Assistant… . Click to continue

29. Tasks Outside Your Scope of Responsibilities as an Assistant • You mayNOT write, develop, or modify a student’s IEP. • You may NOT make referrals for additional services. • You may NOT disclose confidential information either orally or in writing to anyone not specifically designated by your supervising SLP. . As a Speech Assistant….. Click to continue

30. Tasks Outside Your Scope of Responsibilities as an Assistant • You may NOT select students for services or dismiss a student from services. • You may NOT communicate with the student, family, or others regarding any aspect of a student’s status or service without the specific consent of your supervising SLP. • You may NOT represent yourself as a speech-language pathologist. As a Speech Assistant … . Click to continue

31. Do You have questions? WVDE included a section of Q&A at the end of the Guidelines Document. (Scroll to p.14 of the document ) Click to continue

32. Clearly define & communicate the job activities and tasks that are within the your specified scope of responsibilities as speech-language pathology assistant. Counsel and coach you for improved performance as needed. Provide job-related instruction including planning and organizing the work to be delegated to you. Your Supervisor Should: Placeholder Click to continue

33. Evaluate your performance Provide ongoing feedback Discuss standards to define your acceptable clinical performance Provide constructive feedback regarding your clinical performance Routinely document observations and feedback regarding your clinical performance . Your SLP Supervisor Must… Click to continue

34. Forms YOU Will Use • Forms to Download and/or Print : • Session Documentation Form - use this to document goals, materials, activities, evaluation and comments about sessions with students Word Document or PDF Click to continue

35. Forms YOU Will Use • Forms to Download and/or Print : • SLPA Self-Evaluation Form - use this to evaluate your clinical performance during direct therapy sessions with students • Word Document or PDF • Supervising SLP Evaluation Form * • use this to evaluate your supervisor and his/her clinical interactions with you * Complete in January & June & Mail to WVDE • Word Document or PDF Click to continue

36. Forms YOU Will Use • You may download and complete your computer: • Session Documentation Form • use this to document goals, materials, activities, evaluation and comments about sessions with students • Word Document Click to continue

37. Forms Your Supervising SLP Will Use • Supervision Plan Documentation • WVDE Direct Observation Form ** • Supervision Log Direct / Indirect ** • WVDE Summary Observation Log ** Your supervisor will complete the following forms . Please click on each form and review it. Some of these forms ** are due to WVDE periodically and may require your signature as well as that of your supervising SLP. Click to continue

38. Communicating with Your Supervising SLP • Ask questions rather than make assumptions • Discuss and clarify expectations - Be explicit with regards to expectations of your performance. - Be explicit with regards to specific tasks. • Ask for clarification regarding any process or procedural matters of which you are unsure. Click to continue

39. Communicating with Your Supervising SLP • Clarify a schedule for meeting with your supervisor. • time • place • frequency • Clarify how you will address your supervisor. • by title? by name? • will this differ after school hours? • will this differ when children are not present? Click to continue

40. Communicating with Your Supervising SLP • Determine the organization for meetings with your supervisor • prepare a list of questions • take notes & review after the meetings • stay on track • initiate questions about issues of concern if your supervisor does not bring them up Click to continue

41. Renewing Your Authorization as a Speech Assistant • The authorization is valid for one (1) school year and expires on June 30th of each year. • To renew the authorization, you must complete professional development activities and receive the recommendation of the district superintendent verifying that no fully certified speech-language pathologist has applied for the available position. Click to continue

42. Professional Development 1. Successful completion of a semester course (3 credits) in an area related to the field of communication disorders 2. Successful completion semester course (3 credits) that is required for the completion of a masters degree in communication disorders . Professional development activities may include: Click to continue

43. Professional Development 3. Attendance at state or national conferences in communication disorders 4. Professional Development activities designated by the WVDE, Office of Special Education Professional development activities may include: Talk with your Supervising SLP about appropriate professional development activities Click to continue

44. This module was developed through a grant funded • by the West Virginia Department of Education Content: Lynn R. Cartwright, Ed.D., CCC-SLP Cheryl L. Prichard, Ed.D., CCC-SLP Design : Cheryl L. Prichard, Ed.D., CCC-SLP .