1. Speech Assistants: Scope and Role
Resources
for
Self-Paced Instruction
Click to continue

2. Introducing this Module
This module is designed to provide information for speech assistants who are beginning to work under the direct supervision of a speech-language pathologist (SLP).
Content focuses on: 1) procedural aspects of becoming a speech assistant and 2) the process of working with the supervising SLP.
This module does NOT focus on specific content skills. Skill training must be addressed through other professional development activities.
Click to continue
WVDE, 2005

3. Introducing this Module
Read at your own pace and click the arrow at the bottom right side of the screen to advance to the next slide.
Resources are provided as links within the module.
You will find links for documents, websites, and forms.
Click to continue
WVDE, 2005

4. Introducing this Module
To access the online links on your computer, you
must have internet access.
It is possible that when you attempt to access an
online link it may take some time to connect to the
internet… try to be patient.
If your wait is more than 1-2 minutes try again at another
time when the online connections are faster.
Click to continue
WVDE, 2005

5. Introducing this Module
Some of the bullets in this module are designed to enter automatically to allow the reader time to focus on each item as it appears.
Slides with automatic bullets include a clock icon When you see on a slide give the bullets time to appear before you click to move on. If you click too rapidly you will miss information as the slide advances.
Click to continue
WVDE, 2005

6. Introducing this Module
As you read, you will notice that some words and phrases are underlined.
The underline indicates a link either to a separate document or to an online resource. Click on the underlined words to activate the links.
After you visit a link you may close it and return to the PowerPoint (PPT) by simply clicking back into the PPT.
Click to continue
WVDE, 2005

7. Introducing this Module
Document links are accompanied by .
On-line links are accompanied by
To access any link, click on the underlined words not the icon. The icons are just a hint.
If you do not have Microsoft Word or Acrobat Reader installed on your computer, you may access free downloads on the next slide. If you do have Microsoft Word and Acrobat Reader you do NOT need to download these.
Click to continue
WVDE, 2005

8. Downloading FREE Viewers
Clicking on the the following will take you to online resources to download FREE Viewers. These will allow you to view and print documents. Remember if you already have the software installed on your computer it is not necessary to download.
Viewer for PDF Acrobat Reader
(If you have an old version of Acrobat Reader you may wish to update now.)
Microsoft Word Document Viewer
Click to continue
WVDE, 2005

9. Beginning your module
To access links to online information or other documents remember to click on the underlined words NOT the helper icon.
Click WVDE website to view. After you have finished visiting the website, click the close box at the top of the screen or minimize the window to return to this module.
Click to continue
WVDE, 2005

10. WVDE Definition: Speech Assistants
Speech assistants - individuals who may provide services to students with communication disorders under the guidance and direction of a certified SLP. They may assist the supervising SLP with record keeping, generalization of learned skills to multiple settings, implementation of assistive technology devices/services, services for diverse and underserved populations, and other responsibilities.
(WVDE, 2004)
Click to continue
WVDE, 2005

11. ASHA Definition: Support Personnel
Support personnel (in speech-language pathology) - are people who, following academic and/or on-the-job training, perform tasks as prescribed, directed, and supervised by certified speech-language pathologists. There are different levels of support personnel based on training and scope of responsibilities.
(ASHA, 1994)
Click to continue
WVDE, 2005

12. WVDE Guidelines
The West Virginia Department of Education has published Guidelines for the Use of Speech Assistants in West Virginia Public Schools. The Guidelines became effective January, 2004.
The Guidelines document is included in the module. To access it, you may click on the following link and print. WVDE Guidelines (PDF)
OR.. you may go to the WVDE website and view the guidelines there.
Click to continue
WVDE, 2005

13. Speech Assistant Criteria
According to WVDE the applicant must meet the following requirements :
Hold a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in speech pathology or communication disorders from an accredited institution;
Be employed by a local West Virginia board of education;
Click to continue
WVDE, 2005

14. Speech Assistant Criteria
The applicant must meet the following requirements :
Receive the recommendation of the district superintendent verifying that the applicant is the most qualified candidate for the position and that no fully certified speech-language pathologist has applied for the available position; and
Complete Form 38 & Form 38A and submit them to WVDE (these forms are included later in the module)
Click to continue
WVDE, 2005

15. Registration Forms
Form (Temporary Authorization for Speech Assistant & Form 38A, Supplement to Form 38 are contained in one document) must be completed and submitted.
Guidelines for the use of Speech-Language Pathology Assistants (SLPA) County Supervision Form
Required Signatures: Speech Assistant
County Superintendent
Supervising SLP
Click to continue
WVDE, 2005

16. Supervising the Speech Assistant
Who develops the plan for supervising the speech assistant?
“It is the responsibility of the supervising SLP and the special education director to collaboratively design and implement a supervision system that maintains the highest possible standard of quality.” (WVDE Guidelines p. 8)
Click to continue
WVDE, 2005

17. The Supervision Plan
The supervising SLP and special education director collaboratively design and implement a supervision system.
The amount and type of supervision required should be based on the skills and experience of the speech assistant.
The supervisory responsibilities should be mutually agreed on by the supervising SLP and special education director.
(WVDE Guidelines p.11)
Click to continue
WVDE, 2005

18. Documenting Your Supervision Plan
To complete the supervision plan the SLP and Director of Special Education must complete and submit appropriate documentation.
See the documentation form included later in this module.
Click to continue
WVDE, 2005

19. Requirements for Your Supervisor
WVDE Guidelines specify:
1. Your supervising SLP must hold a master’s degree
2. Your supervising SLP must be certified through WVDE
3. Your supervising SLP must have practiced speech
language pathology for at least two (2) years following
certification.
Click to continue
WVDE, 2005

20. What are your Supervisor’s Responsibilities?
The amount of supervision depends on the complexity of the case and on your experience as a speech assistant.
14 Specific responsibilities of your supervising SLP are listed in the WVDE Guidelines. (Scroll down to pp. 8-9)
These are listed on the next slide.
Click to continue
WVDE, 2005

21. Responsibilities of Supervising SLP
9. Interactions w/ other professionals
10. Review & sign progress notes
11. Coordinate assistant training
12. Provide & document supervision
13. Ensure practice is within scope of responsibility
14. Performance appraisal of assistant .
1. Inform families
2. Represent team
3. Determine caseload
4. Communicate with families
5. Diagnosis & evaluation
6. IEP review
7. Delegate tasks to assistant
8. Develop/ Review IEP
Click to continue
WVDE, 2005

22. Speech Assistant Responsibilities
According to WVDE Guidelines:
“ Tasks executed by speech assistants must be within their scope of responsibilities and include only those tasks they have the expertise and training to perform.”
Click to continue
WVDE, 2005

23. Appropriate Tasks for you as a Speech Assistant
Under SLP Supervision you may:
Conduct speech-language screenings (without interpretation) following specified screening protocols selected by the supervising SLP.
Provide direct therapy to identified students.
Follow goals and objectives identified on the IEP and plans developed by your supervising SLP. .
Click to continue
WVDE, 2005

24. Appropriate Tasks for you as a Speech Assistant
Under SLP Supervision you may:
Document student progress toward meeting established goals and objectives as stated in the IEP and report this information to your supervising SLP.
Assist your supervising SLP during assessment of students, as directed. .
Click to continue .
WVDE, 2005

25. Appropriate Tasks for you as a Speech Assistant
Under SLP Supervision you may:
Assist with informal documentation (notes, tallying, etc.).
Assist with other clerical duties as assigned by your supervising SLP.
Schedule activities, prepare charts, records, graphs, or otherwise display data.
Click to continue .
WVDE, 2005

26. Appropriate Tasks for you as a Speech Assistant
Under SLP Supervision you may:
Perform checks and maintenance of equipment.
Participate with the SLP in research projects, staff development and public relations programs, as deemed appropriate by the SLP.
Assist in the implementation of assistive technology devices and services as deemed appropriate by the SLP. .
Click to continue
WVDE, 2005

27. Tasks Outside Your Scope of Responsibilities as an Assistant
As a Speech Assistant….
You may NOT perform standardized or non-standardized diagnostic tests, formal or informal evaluations, or interpret test results.
You may NOT participate in parent conferences or any team meeting not designated by your supervising SLP. .
Click to continue .
WVDE, 2005

28. Tasks Outside Your Scope of Responsibilities as an Assistant
As a Speech Assistant…
You may NOT Assist with student’s therapy without following the IEP prepared by your supervising SLP or without access to supervision.
You may NOT sign any formal documents without approval of your supervising SLP. .
Click to continue
WVDE, 2005

29. Tasks Outside Your Scope of Responsibilities as an Assistant
As a Speech Assistant…..
You may NOT write, develop, or modify a student’s IEP.
You may NOT make referrals for additional services.
You may NOT disclose confidential information either orally or in writing to anyone not specifically designated by your supervising SLP. .
Click to continue
WVDE, 2005

30. Tasks Outside Your Scope of Responsibilities as an Assistant
As a Speech Assistant …
You may NOT select students for services or dismiss a student from services.
You may NOT communicate with the student, family, or others regarding any aspect of a student’s status or service without the specific consent of your supervising SLP.
You may NOT represent yourself as a speech-language pathologist. .
Click to continue
WVDE, 2005

31. Do You have questions?
WVDE included a section of Q&A at the end of the Guidelines Document (Scroll to p.14 of the document )
Click to continue
WVDE, 2005

32. Your Supervisor Should:
Clearly define & communicate the job activities and tasks that are within the your specified scope of responsibilities as speech-language pathology assistant.
Counsel and coach you for improved performance as needed.
Provide job-related instruction including planning and organizing the work to be delegated to you.
Placeholder
Click to continue
WVDE, 2005

33. Your SLP Supervisor Must…
Evaluate your performance
Provide ongoing feedback
Discuss standards to define your acceptable clinical performance
Provide constructive feedback regarding your clinical performance
Routinely document observations and feedback regarding your clinical performance .
Click to continue
WVDE, 2005

34. Forms YOU Will Use Forms to Download and/or Print :
Session Documentation Form
- use this to document goals, materials, activities, evaluation and comments about sessions with students
Word Document or PDF
Click to continue
WVDE, 2005

35. Forms YOU Will Use SLPA Self-Evaluation Form Word Document or PDF
Forms to Download and/or Print :
SLPA Self-Evaluation Form
- use this to evaluate your clinical performance during direct therapy sessions with students
Word Document or PDF
Supervising SLP Evaluation Form *
use this to evaluate your supervisor and his/her clinical interactions with you
* Complete in January & June & Mail to WVDE
Click to continue
WVDE, 2005

36. Forms YOU Will Use Session Documentation Form
You may download and complete your computer:
Session Documentation Form
use this to document goals, materials, activities, evaluation and comments about sessions with students
Word Document
Click to continue
WVDE, 2005

37. Forms Your Supervising SLP Will Use
Your supervisor will complete the following forms Please click on each form and review it. Some of these forms ** are due to WVDE periodically and may require your signature as well as that of your supervising SLP.
Supervision Plan Documentation
WVDE Direct Observation Form **
Supervision Log Direct / Indirect **
WVDE Summary Observation Log **
Click to continue
WVDE, 2005

38. Communicating with Your Supervising SLP
Ask questions rather than make assumptions
Discuss and clarify expectations
- Be explicit with regards to expectations of your performance.
- Be explicit with regards to specific tasks.
Ask for clarification regarding any process or procedural matters of which you are unsure.
Click to continue
WVDE, 2005

39. Communicating with Your Supervising SLP
Clarify a schedule for meeting with your supervisor.
time
place
frequency
Clarify how you will address your supervisor.
by title? by name?
will this differ after school hours?
will this differ when children are not present?
Click to continue
WVDE, 2005

40. Communicating with Your Supervising SLP
Determine the organization for meetings with your supervisor
prepare a list of questions
take notes & review after the meetings
stay on track
initiate questions about issues of concern if your supervisor does not bring them up
Click to continue
WVDE, 2005

41. Renewing Your Authorization as a Speech Assistant
The authorization is valid for one (1) school year and expires on June 30th of each year.
To renew the authorization, you must complete professional development activities and receive the recommendation of the district superintendent verifying that no fully certified speech-language pathologist has applied for the available position.
Click to continue
WVDE, 2005

42. Professional Development
Professional development activities may include:
1. Successful completion of a semester course (3 credits) in an area related to the field of communication disorders
2. Successful completion semester course (3 credits) that is required for the completion of a masters degree in communication disorders .
Click to continue
WVDE, 2005

43. Professional Development
Professional development activities may include:
3. Attendance at state or national conferences in communication disorders
4. Professional Development activities designated by the WVDE, Office of Special Education
Talk with your Supervising SLP about appropriate professional development activities
Click to continue
WVDE, 2005

44. by the West Virginia Department of Education
This module was developed through a grant funded
by the West Virginia Department of Education
Content: Lynn R. Cartwright, Ed.D., CCC-SLP
Cheryl L. Prichard, Ed.D., CCC-SLP
Design : Cheryl L. Prichard, Ed.D., CCC-SLP .
WVDE, 2005