Presents findings of research on homework and translates these findings into recommended practices for speech-language pathologists. Suggestions for enhancing homework effectiveness are presented, such as explaining why the homework is being assigned and providing regular assignments. An example of a language development homework assignment is…

This study explored the semantic content of spontaneous speech of 10 children (ages 4-5) during pretend play. More references to family were made during home play and to peers and self during preschool play. Use of daily routines and fantasy/cartoon characters as common play themes was analyzed. Discusses intervention programs for children with…

A survey of 253 Canadian school-based speech-language pathologists (SLPs) found that they use classroom-based approaches primarily for language intervention with early elementary students, judge classroom-based approaches generally successful for intervention with language, articulation, fluency, and voice disorders, and use classroom-based…

This cooperative report of seven associations of special educators and related professionals provides guidelines for using a paraprofessional service delivery model in providing speech language services in educational settings. It identifies three levels of paraprofessionals, recommends requirements for each level, and addresses activities outside…

Describes factors leading to the recent statewide introduction of speech-language paraprofessionals called speech-language pathology assistants (SLPA) in Kentucky's public schools. Also describes the licensure model, requirements for SLPA licensure, and the scope of practice associated with the position. Reports results of a survey indicating…

This article describes results of a survey of licensed Midwestern school-based speech-language pathologists (N=326) regarding methods used to assess the language of children ages 3 to 5 years, 6 to 11 years, and 12 to 18 years. Striking similarities were found in methods used for each age group. The relationship of these methods to recommended…

This case study describes the experiences of a newly graduated speech-language pathologist working in a small urban school district with a series of speech-language assistants who have various levels of qualifications and personality types. It illustrates how professional supervision skills, preservice paraprofessional training,…

To illustrate past practices in the assessment of children with communication disorders, this article presents a case study from 1967 and then reviews advances since then in assessing children for language and speech disorders. The benefits of dynamic assessment are discussed and steps in dynamic assessment approaches are explained. (CR)

Reviews the preparation, use, supervision, and qualifications of speech-language (SL) paraprofessionals and their SL supervisors working in educational settings. Identifies ongoing issues that have been barriers to the development of national and state guidelines for SL paraprofessional use and supervision and discusses current issues promoting…

Describes how focus groups comprised of speech-language professionals, paraprofessionals, general and special education teachers, and parents in Iowa were used to conduct a needs assessment of issues in staff development and use of paraprofessional personnel and to design job-relevant personnel development programs. An attached chart lists themes…

Discusses the inappropriate referral of culturally and linguistically diverse (CLD) students for speech-language therapy. Preassessment considerations that should be considered and the interrelatedness of culture, language, and communication as they impact on an individual learner's behavior are explained. Culturally appropriate assessment…

A study of 52 African-American children with speech/language disorders investigated how a large urban school district implemented recommendations of an early intervention program that fed into its schools. Results showed that the early intervention team's assessment and identification information was highly accurate and that early intervention…