• R.N. Wilentz school
    51 First Street
    Perth Amboy, NJ 08861
    732 376 6070
    Fax 732 376 6077 
    Speech Language Specialist
    Ext: x27454
    charbielak@paps.net
    Google Classroom code:o5hir3f
     
     

    What is a Speech Language Specialist?

    A speech/language specialist (SLS) is a certified professional who works with children and adults who have communication problems.  These may include:

    • Language errors:  limited vocabulary, grammar, and/or communication styles
    •  Articulation (speech sounds) errors:  saying one sound for another, omitting a sound, or distorting sounds
    • Voice errors:  speech that is too high, too low, too loud, too soft, hoarse, breathy, or nasal
    • Fluency or stuttering:  interruptions in the flow or rhythm of speech which may include hesitations, repetitions, or prolonged sounds, words or phrases
    Responsibilities of the Speech-Language Specialist include assessment, evaluation, eligibility determination, caseload management, and intervention.  "Ultimately, the school-based Speech-Language Specialist's purpose in addressing communication and related disorders is to effect functional and measurable change(s) in a student's communication status so that the student may participate as fully as possible in all aspects of life-educational, social, and vocational."  (American Speech and Hearing Association, 1999, page 6). 
     

    In the public school setting, a specialist who works with students with communication disorders may be referred to as the speech therapist, speech/language therapist, speech teacher, speech pathologist, speech/language pathologist.   Duties include......  

     

    • acting as a resource person to parents, administrators and teachers
    • evaluating children to assess communication skill development
    • diagnosing speech/language problems that may interfere with a child’s academic success
    • writing diagnostic reports which (1) highlight student strengths and weaknesses in speech/language, (2) explain how deficits may affect learning, (3) give recommendations for intervention, and (4) suggest strategies to facilitate success in the classroom
    • meeting with parents and teachers to review and interpret test results, determine eligibility for speech/language services, and develop IEP's (Individualized Educational Programs)
    • Working cooperatively with other professional staff members who are involved in the educational programming of students with speech/language impairments.