COM 103: Standards and Practices for SLPAs                     

Course Description

This course will focus on the role and responsibilities of the Speech-Language Pathology Assistant (SLPA) and professional practices in both healthcare and educational settings. This course will also cover topics related to current ASHA guidelines and guidance for seeking certification through ASHA as an SLPA and the C-SLPA credential. (3 credits)

Prerequisite

  • None

Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs)

Students who successfully complete this course will be able to:

  1. Describe ASHA’s Assistants Code of Conduct and state licensing requirements for the practice of speech and language pathology and examine sections pertinent to SLPAs.
  2. Demonstrate understanding of the ASHA Scope of Practice for Speech-Language Pathology Assistants (SLPAs) and the steps involved in acquiring ASHA SLPA certification (C-SLPA credential).
  3. Describe the responsibilities of Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs) and Speech-Language Pathology Assistants (SLPAs), articulate the roles of SLPs and SLPAs in supervision and mentorship, and explain their roles in screening, assessment, intervention and various service delivery models within the field.
  4. Analyze and interpret data collection tools, note writing, and documentation protocols, as well as components of a treatment plan/lesson plan and its aligned goals.
  5. Identify classroom management methods and tools focusing on the role that language plays in implementation of these methods.
  6. Analyze current issues in professional practice and related professional development resources.

Course Activities and Grading

AssignmentsWeight

Discussions (Weeks 1- 8)

30%

Quiz (Week 1)

10%

Assignments (Week 2-7)

30%

Final Exam (Week 8)

30%

Total

100%

Required Textbooks

Available through Charter Oak State College's Book Bundle

  • Ostergren, J. A. Speech-language pathology assistants: a resource manual. 3rd Plural Publishing, 2024. 
  • Kraemer, R., & Bryla, J. Clinical workbook for speech-language pathology assistants. 1st Plural Publishing, 2018. 

Course Schedule

Week

SLOs

Readings and Exercises

Assignments

1

2,3

Topics: Understanding differences in professional responsibilities of SLPAs and SLPs

  • Review Syllabus
  • Review Course Policies
  • Read assigned material
  • Review the lecture material
  • Participate in Discussion Board
  • Complete Quiz

2

1,2

Topics: Professional and Ethical Conduct for SLPAs

  • Read assigned material
  • View videos
  • Review the lecture material
  • Participate in Discussion Board
  • Submit Assignment:Ethical Dilemmas Assignment

3

4

Topic: Note Writing & Documentation for SLPAs

  • Read assigned material
  • View videos
  • Review the lecture material
  • Participate in Discussion Board
  • Submit Assignment: Data Collection Assignment/ Reflection

4

4,5

Topics: Understanding Lesson Plans & Goals

  • Read assigned material
  • View videos
  • Review the lecture material
  • Participate in Discussion Board
  • Submit Assignment:SOAP Note Assignment

5

3,4

Topic: Screening, assessment and intervention for specific populations – Part 1

  • Read and Review:
    1. Read Chapter 14, pp. 431-456
    2. View Master Clinician Videos (Assigned in Platform)
      1. Rachel Troughton-Jack 2(6-10) (30:30)
      2. Glenn Weybright-Fox 1(2-3) (33:28)
      3. Rhea Paul-Peter (11-17) (51:49)
      4. Glenn Weybright-Emma (4-5) (19:43)
  • Read assigned chapters
  • Review lecture
  • Read assigned material
  • View videos
  • Review the lecture material
  • Participate in Discussion Board
  • Submit Assignment: Phonological Processes Assignment

6

3,4

Topics: Screening, assessment and intervention for specific populations – Part 2

  • Read and Review:
    1. Read Chapter 16, pp. 485-499
    2. Read Chapter 19, pp. 553-585
    3. View Master Clinician Videos
      1. Molly Berger-Zoe (6-10) (27:37)
      2. Patty Hall-Leo W. (4-5) (43:29)
      3. Teresa Roberts-Andrew (2-3) (1:11:07)
      4. Aieshea Banks-Thomas (11-17) (39:56)
  • Read assigned material
  • View videos
  • Review the lecture material
  • Participate in Discussion Board
  • Submit Assignment: Lesson/ Treatment Plan Assignment

7

5

Topics: Classroom Management and Understanding and Using Behavioral Principles in Professional Practice

  • Read assigned material
  • View videos
  • Review the lecture material
  • Participate in Discussion Board
  • Submit Assignment:Classroom Management Assignment

8

6

Topic: Professional Practice Topics and Continued Professional Development

  • Read and Review:
    1. Read Chapter 6, pp. 183-208
    2. View Master Clinician Videos:
      1. Karen Copeland-Carol (18-65) (33:00)
      2. Jennifer Dahms-Aaliyah (11-17) (41:15)
      3. Sara Roelofs-Bob (65+) (50:52)
  • Review lecture
  • Read assigned material
  • View videos
  • Review the lecture material
  • Participate in Discussion Board
  • Complete Final Exam
  • Complete Course evaluation

COSC Accessibility Statement

Charter Oak State College encourages students with disabilities, including non-visible disabilities such as chronic diseases, learning disabilities, head injury, attention deficit/hyperactive disorder, or psychiatric disabilities, to discuss appropriate accommodations with the Office of Accessibility Services at OAS@charteroak.edu.

COSC Policies, Course Policies, Academic Support Services and Resources

Students are responsible for knowing all Charter Oak State College (COSC) institutional policies, course-specific policies, procedures, and available academic support services and resources. Please see COSC Policies for COSC institutional policies, and see also specific policies related to this course. See COSC Resources for information regarding available academic support services and resources.