Questions & Answers
1.) What is speech therapy?
Speech therapy addresses a variety of communication disorders. Students with speech sound errors (articulation), stuttering (fluency), hoarse or harsh voice quality (voice), and difficulty with understanding or speaking to others (language) are potential candidates.
2.) How does a student qualify for these services?
A referral through special education must be done, and a full speech/language evaluation must be completed by the speech-language pathologist.
3.) Why don’t the students receive speech therapy every day?
The ARD (Admission/Review/Dismissal) committee, which includes the speech therapist, parents and teachers, determine how much speech therapy the student will receive. The speech pathologist gives a recommendation depending on the severity of the student’s disorder. The goal of speech therapy is for the student to be in the least restrictive environment possible (the classroom), so pull-out services are done as infrequently as possible while still providing maximum support to the student. These services may range from 15 minutes to an hour a week, or may include consult services with the teacher in some cases.
4.) What do you do in speech therapy?
The activities we engage in are dependent on several factors: the student’s age, disability, severity and interests. Many times our speech goals are achieved through a game format, where the student is practicing target goals without even realizing he is working! We often read books, do board activities, listening activities, and do some drill as well. Keeping a varied routine in speech keeps the student involved and excited about coming to speech, which can be a challenge as the students get older! They are rewarded with encouragement from their speech therapist and from their peers. Speech therapy should always be a positive experience and an opportunity to boost the child’s self esteem. Feedback is given based on the child’s effort instead of whether he gives a “right” or “wrong” answer.
5.) Are there grades in speech therapy?
The students’ “lesson plan” for the year is based on his IEP (Individualized Educational Plan) that is discussed with the parents at the annual ARD. Grades (“A”, “B”, “C”) are not given in speech. Mastery levels are set for each IEP goal (50%, 80%, etc.) and progress toward that goal is measured each six weeks. Progress notes are sent home to parents each six weeks according to the report card schedule.
Lake Dallas ISD does not discriminate on the basis of age, color, creed, disability, national origin, race, gender, socioeconomic status or English proficiency in its educational programs and activities.
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