The target of speech therapy is to improve communication skills to an age-
appropriate level as they relate to academics. Children are eligible for
speech and language services when their communicative abilities are
noticeably different from that of other children their age/grade level. In
order to determine if a child would qualify for sevices, he/she would be
evaluated by the speech therapist, provided parental permission is granted.
The test(s) administered would depend on the child's specific area(s) of
weakness as indicated by the teacher and/or parent(s). These areas could
include any of the following:
Articulation ~ the production of speech sounds. Errors of articulation
can include omissions("ba" for "ball"), substitutions("wed" for "red"), and
distortions(sounds not considered developmental in nature).
Voice ~ the quality and volume of speech. Voice disorders can include an
inappropriate pitch or loudness, as well as a voice that is too hoarse,
harsh, breathy or nasal.
Fluency ~ the quality and clarity of speech. A child who is dysfluent
can exhibit repititions, hesitations and/or prolongations in his/her speech
at the syllable, word, or phrase level.
Language ~ the ability to understand(receptive) and use(expresive)
language appropriately. Language disorders also include auditory processing,
following directions, attention, short and long term memory, organization of
information, grammar, and vocabulary.
Depending on the results of testing, a recommendation is made whether speech
and/or language services are warranted. Both the child's teacher and
parent(s) are consulted, and the final decision is collaboratively made.
Strategies are also shared in order to reinforce skills within the classroom
and home environment.
