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.

General Education Outcomes (GEOs)

Please check the applicable GEOs for this course, if any, by outcomes at GEO Category Search, or by subject area at GEO Discipline Search.

Course Activities and Grading

Assignments
Weight

Discussions (Weeks 1- 8)

25%

Quizzes (Weeks 1, 2, 6 & 7)

25%

Midterm (Week 4)

20%

Final (Week 8)

30%

Total

100%

Required Textbooks

Available through Charter Oak's online bookstore

  • 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


Additional Required Materials

The following materials will be provided in Blackboard:

  • Journal Articles and other selected readings will be provided as needed.

Course Schedule

Week

SLOs

Readings and Exercises

Assignment(s)

1

1-4

Topics: SLPA Roles & Responsibilities, Service Delivery in the Schools, Aspects of Communication

  • Readings:
    • Communication Disorders
      • Chapters 1 & 2
    • SLPA Resource Manual
      • Chapter 1
  • Read Assigned Chapters
  • Review the Lecture Material
  • Participate in Discussions (2)

2

1,2,5,7

Topics: Working with Supervising SLPs, Development of Language and Phonology, Communication with Families and Children

  • Readings:
    • Communication Disorders
      • Chapters 3 & 4
    • SLPA Resource Manual
      • Chapter 2
      • Chapter 3 (selected sections): Ethical Conduct, pages 104-105, 119-1127
      • Chapter 10 (selected sections): Implementing Treatment, pages 287-305
  • Read Assigned Chapters
  • Review the Lecture Material
  • Participate in Discussions (2)
  • Complete Quiz

3

2,3,5,6

Topics: Working with Multidisciplinary Teams, Working With Diverse Populations, Populations Encountered in the School Setting

  • Readings:
    • Communication Disorders
      • Chapters 5 & 6
    • SLPA Resource Manual
      • Chapter 4, pages 139-141
      • Chapter 5
  • Read Assigned Chapters
  • Review the Lecture Material
  • Participate in Discussions (1)
  • Complete Quiz

4

1,2,6

Topic: Professionalism and Ethical Issues, Language Differences versus Disorders

  • Readings:
    • Communication Disorders
      • Chapter 7
    • SLPA Resource Manual
      • Chapters 3 and 4
  • Read Assigned Chapters
  • Review the Lecture Material
  • Participate in Discussions (1)
  • Complete Midterm
Midterm Exam

Chapters 1-7 Communication Disorders

Chapters 1-5, selected sections of Chapter 10: SLPA Resource Manual

SLOs 1-7

5

5,6,7

Topics: Legislation, Health and Safety, Fluency and Voice Disorders

  • Readings:
    • Communication Disorders
      • Chapters 8 & 9
    • SLPA Resource Manual
      • Chapter 6
  • Read Assigned Chapters
  • Review the Lecture Material
  • Participate in Discussions (1)

6

5,6,7

Topics: Observation, Data Collection, Hearing Impairments, Craniofacial Syndromes

  • Readings:
    • Communication Disorders
      • Chapters 10 & 11
    • SLPA Resource Manual
      • Chapters 8 and 9
  • Read Assigned Chapters
  • Review the Lecture Material
  • Participate in Discussions (1)
  • Complete Quiz

7

2,5

Topics: Screening, Assessment, Intervention, Neurological Disorders, Academic Success

  • Readings:
    • Communication Disorders
      • Chapters 12 & 13
    • SLPA Resource Manual
      • Chapter 7
      • Chapter 8, pages 195-248
  • Read Assigned Chapters
  • Review the Lecture Material
  • Participate in Discussions (2)
  • Complete Quiz

8

6

Topic: Common Core State Standards

  • Readings:
    • ASHA
  • Read Assigned Material
  • Review the Lecture Material
  • Participate in Discussions (2)
  • Complete Final Exam
  • Complete Course evaluation
Comprehensive Final Exam

Chapters 1-13 Communication Disorders

Chapters 1-10 SLPA Resource Manual

& ASHA
SLOs 1-7

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.