Literacy Interventions in Speech Therapy
Speech pathologists have an important role to play in literacy instruciton. Unfortunately, my graduate program never taught me what that role was or what to do about it. So…I have spent at least a decade…
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Shared Reading as Evidence-Based Practice
Did you know that shared storybook reading is an evidence-based practice for increasing expressive language skills? Not only does research support shared reading, but it is one of the most natural and universally known adult/child…
Should I work in a school?
As a graduate student supervisor, I frequently find myself selling the school-setting to speech-language pathology students. Many graduate programs inadvertently spread the idea that working in the schools is somehow “lesser” or not prestigious. As…
Best Practice for Articulation
I don’t know about your speech pathology program, but I really wish I had taken a good evidence-based course in speech sound disorder treatment. When I accidentally fell into the role of school-based SLP, I…
Core Vocabulary for Evidence-Based Practice
The following is a portion of a research paper combined with additional thoughts about using core vocabulary boards in my school. Communication is a basic right for all individuals (Hendricks, 2007; Unicef, 1989). Not…
Evidence-Based Practice and Systematic Reviews – What the SLP Needs to Know
All speech-language pathologists are now aware of the term “evidence-based practice” (EBP) and the pressure to become evidence-based practitioners. However, most of us have zero ideas on how to actually use what the evidence suggests…
The 4 Most Important Steps for Work/Home Balance
*Amazon affiliate links have been included in this post. Those that know me even somewhat well know that I am extremely busy. Besides working full-time as a speech pathologist, I have an online business and…
Why Pursue a Clinical Doctorate Degree?
Growing up, I had always assumed that I would have the highest degree possible. I dreamed of becoming a marine biologist, with the requisite Ph.D., of course. It was only after taking my first teaching…
Create a home away from home (in your classroom)
(Amazon affiliate links included in this post) Let’s face it, we spend a lot of time in our classrooms! Most of us are there not only during contract hours, but also before and after school,…
Data Driven Language Therapy
As I sat at yet another “procedures and paperwork” meeting (aka the training that administrators force you to attend on an all too often basis), I sighed. I am painfully aware that IEPs need to…
Core or PECS for students with ASD?
At the beginning of this year, multiple people in my district began discussing communication for children with autism. The early childhood program is primarily using picture exchange communication with their students. However, once these…
Low-tech AAC: Picture Exchange (Pros and Cons)
Please note before I begin this post that I am aware that PECS is a specific and trademarked system. I have been through the formal training, however, like most, I have adapted it and can…
Low-tech AAC: Core Vocabulary (Pros and Cons)
Last year, several SLPs in my district attended a fantastic conference by Gail Van Tatenhove. By the end of the two days, we were ready to make some district-wide changes to AAC in our district….
Low-tech AAC: PODD (Pros and Cons)
Seventeen years ago I was a brand new SLP graduate. I accepted the only mid-year job that I could find (overage for 2 SLPs with high caseloads) and began on a crazy adventure. One of…