FAQs:

Why does my student receive speech/language services? 

Your student was evaluated in the areas of speech/language and qualified under the criteria as outlined in N.J.A.C. 6A:14 . It was determined that your student requires speech and language services in order to fully access and participate in their Free Appropriate Public Education.  

How do my child's speech/language skills affect their education? 

Communication skills are at the heart of the educational experience. Articulation and fluency disorders directly affect a student's ability to speak in a clear, concise manner. Speech difficulties may interfere with a student’s ability to convey his message effectively and clearly.

Language skills are necessary for effective communication and are needed in all academic areas, as well as in social interactions. Developmental language delays can negatively impact academic performance in various areas such as: grammar, formulating and responding to questions, expressing thoughts, using complete sentences and engaging in conversational skills. Vocabulary builds and becomes more complex and content specific as students get older. As students get older the understanding and use of language becomes more complex. A student with a receptive and/or expressive language delay may have difficulty speaking in full sentences, comprehending spoken/written language, processing information that is lengthy, and learning new word meanings and concepts.

What does a school-based SLP do? 

• Evaluates students for eligibility for special education

• Identifies students with speech and language disorders

• Provides direct intervention to students using a continuum of service-delivery options

• Re-evaluates students to determine whether continued speech/language services are warranted

• Provides consultation/education to other staff members who work with the student in the realms of speech/langauge

How often does my student receive speech and language services? 

• The amount of services is based on what is least restrictive for students to continue to make progress towards their goals and/or access their curriculum. Your student may receive direct services or consultative services to meet their communication needs. This is written in their Individualized Education Plan (IEP).   

Why is my child graduating/being dismissed from speech/language services? 

A student may graduate or be dismissed from school based speech therapy for a number of reasons 

• Goals met -The student has achieved their speech/language goals which were negatively impacting their ability to access and participate in their curriculum. They have mastered their goals or learned compensatory strategies to work around their disability. 

• Lack of negative impact at school- The student's speech/language disorder is no longer negatively impacting their ability to access and participate in their curriculum. They have mastered their goals or learned compensatory strategies to work around their disability. 

• No longer qualifies for speech/language services under N.J.A.C. 6A:14 

• Lack of progress - the student has plateaued and is no longer making progress towards their goals 

• Lack of motivation - the student shows consistent refusal or lack of interest in attending/participating in sessions despite attempts of the therapist to engage them and trial different strategies