Utilizing an Educational Model in Speech-Language Pathology Programs in Schools

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Donnelly, Carole A.

Affiliations: University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA

Abstract: Traditionally speech-language pathologists have utilized a medical model in providing services to children in schools. While not without merit,this model has limited effectiveness with children who in addition to their communication problems also exhibit academic difficulties. Many of these children show little ability to carry over their newly learned communication patterns into the classroom. This paper presents an alternative model of services delivery for school settings. A model of service delivery that is more inclusive is described. This educationally based model does not allow for serving children in isolation but rather utilizes a more inclusive approach. An educationally based model involves serving communicatively disordered children primarily in the classroom setting. This paper further presents a rationale for this type of service delivery. It also describes how the classroom teacher can be directly involved in assisting children with communication disorders. The role of the school curriculum is emphasised.

Keywords: education, school curriculum, service delivery for speech-language disorded children in schools

DOI: 10.3233/ACS-1992-2106

Journal: Journal of Clinical Speech and Language Studies, vol. 2, no. 1, pp. 50-57, 1992