COM 103: Standards and Practices for SLPAs in the Schools

Course Description

This course will focus on the professional issues related to the role of the Speech Language Pathology Assistant in providing services in the educational setting. Topics covered will include the legal and policy framework for school services, ethical practice, supervision, collaboration, scheduling, service delivery models, data collection, advocating, professional development, resources, and professional trends. (3 credits)

Prerequisite

  • COM 102: Introduction to Language and Communication Development

Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs)

Students who successfully complete this course will be able to:

  1. Discuss the Code of Ethics and state licensing requirements for the practice of speech and language pathology and identify sections pertinent to SLPAs.
  2. Distinguish the role of the SLPA in supporting the practice of speech and language pathology in schools, including scheduling, screening, data collection, communication with teachers and families, advocating for children, families and the profession, participation in meetings, assisting in evaluations and reporting writing, and preparation of materials.
  3. Differentiate different service delivery models, i.e., pull-out, consultation, transdisciplinary, multidisciplinary, interdisciplinary, and efficacy of each within the educational setting.
  4. Explain the importance of collaboration, including how to identify significant partners for collaboration, and the knowledge and skills necessary to collaborate effectively.
  5. Identify classroom management methods and tools, distinguishing the role language plays in the implementation of such.
  6. Describe current issues in professional practice and related professional development resources.
  7. Describe data collection methods and types, documentation procedures, lesson / therapy plan components, individual education plan components.

Course Activities and Grading

AssignmentsWeight

Discussions (Weeks 1- 8)

30%

Quizzes (Weeks 2, 3, 4 & 7)

25%

Midterm Exam (Week 5)

20%

Final Exam (Week 8)

25%

Total

100%

Required Textbooks

Available through Charter Oak State College's Book Bundle

  • Haynes, W.O., Moran, M.J., & Pindzola, R.H. (2006). Communication Disorders in the Classroom: An Introduction for Professionals in the School Settings. 4th ed. Boston: Jones and Bartlett. ISBN-13: 978-0763727437 
  • Ostergren, Jennifer A. (2020). Speech-Language Pathology Assistants: A Resource Manual. 2nd ed. Plural Publishing. ISBN-13: 978-1-94488-326-3


Course Schedule

Week

SLOs

Readings and Exercises

Assignments

1

1-4

Topics: SLPA Roles & Responsibilities

  • Readings:
    • Speech-Language Pathology Assistants: A Resource Manual
      • Chapter 1, pp. 3-74
    • Communication Disorders in the Classroom
      • Chapter 1, pp. 1-39
  • Review course syllabus
  • Review course policies
  • Read assigned chapters
  • Review lecture
  • Review additional reading materials
  • Participate in Discussion Board

2

1,2,4,5,7

Topics: Working with your SLPA Supervisor

  • Readings:
    • Speech-Language Pathology Assistants: A Resource Manual
      • Chapter 2, pp. 75-90
      • Chapter 3 (selected sections), pp. 104-105, 119-127
      • Chapter 10 (selected sections), pp. 287-305
    • Communication Disorders in the Classroom
      • Chapter 3, pp. 65-87
      • Chapter 4, pp. 89-120
  • Read assigned chapters
  • Review lecture
  • Participate in Discussion Board
  • Complete Quiz

3

2,3,5,6

Topic: Multidisciplinary Teaming

  • Readings:
    • Speech-Language Pathology Assistants: A Resource Guide
      • Chapter 4, pp. 129-156
      • Chapter 5, pp. 157-170
    • Communication Disorders in the Classroom
      • Chapter 5, pp. 121-169
      • Chapter 6, pp. 173-192
  • Read assigned chapters
  • Review lecture
  • Participate in Discussion Board
  • Complete Quiz

4

5,6,7

Topics: Data Collection and Documentation Procedures

  • Readings:
    • Speech-Language Pathology Assistants: A Resource Manual
      • Chapter 8, pp. 249-270
      • Chapter 9, pp. 271-286
    • Communication Disorders in the Classroom
      • Chapter 10, pp. 287-320
      • Chapter 11, pp. 321-341
  • Read assigned chapters
  • Review lecture
  • Participate in Discussion Board
  • Complete Quiz

5

5,6,7

Topic: Legislation

  • Readings:
    • Speech-Language Pathology Assistants: A Resource Manual
      • Chapter 6, pp. 171-192
      • Chapter 15 (selected sections), pp. 420-424
    • Communication Disorders in the Classroom
        • Chapter 8, pp. 223-255
        • Chapter 9, pp. 257-283
  • Read assigned chapters
  • Review lecture
  • Participate in Discussion Board
  • Complete Midterm Exam

6

1,2,6

Topics: Professionalism and Ethical Issues

  • Readings:
    • Speech-Language Pathology Assistants: A Resource Manual
      • Chapter 3, pp. 91-128
      • Chapter 4, pp. 129-156
    • Communication Disorders in the Classroom
      • Chapter 7, pp. 193-222
  • Read assigned chapters
  • Review additional reading materials
  • Review lecture
  • Participate in Discussion Board

7

2,5

Topics: Screening, Assessment, Intervention & Academic Success

  • Readings:
    • Speech-Language Pathology Assistants: A Resource Manual
      • Chapter 7, pp. 195-248
      • Chapter 8, pp. 249-270
    • Communication Disorders in the Classroom
      • Chapter 12, pp. 343-376
      • Chapter 13, pp. 377-401
  • Read assigned chapters
  • Review lecture
  • Review additional reading materials
  • Participate in Discussion Board
  • Complete Quiz

8

1-7

Topic: Common Core State Standards, What Do They Mean for SLPs and SLPAs?

  • Readings:
    • No assigned readings this week.
  • Review lecture
  • Review additional reading materials
  • 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.