This is an exciting year in District 66 as we begin to adapt our programs to meet federal guidelines and transition to the Response to Intervention model of instruction. It is especially exciting for me as a speech language pathologist (SLP) to reflect on how to best serve students and incorporate RTI in the speech and language therapy program at Praireview and Lakeview.
The intent of RTI is to benefit all children who struggle with reading and provide appropriate proven interventions that will increase their school performance. As a SLP, my job is to use my knowledge of speech and language development, and a language-based, diagnostic perspective to facilitate learning. Since reading is a language-based skill, it is logical that I become involved in the RTI process.
Therefore, my goal for this year is to make a conscious effort to utilize the RTI model while continuing to provide quality services . Since research supports curriculum-based assessment and intervention, I will thoughtfully consider the classroom context when evaluating students' speech and language skills. I have adjusted my schedule to allow more time to go into the classrooms to work with students. Intervention will emphasize evidence-based language strategies that apply directly to content students are learning in school. Finally, the focus of the speech and language program will begin to shift to include prevention of handicaps rather than just remediation.
Our students enrolled in speech and language therapy for 2008-2009 will continue to receive services outlined in their IEP's. Children with receptive, expressive, and pragmatic language goals will be taught strategies during their pull-out therapy sessions. Students with articulation goals will continue to attend speech groups. In addition, I will be going into the language arts classes of many students who are performing below state standards to assist in improving target skills in the classroom setting. Anyone referred for an initial speech evaluation will be invited to participate in a 9-12 week diagnostic group to provide short-term speech intervention and assess the need for further direct instruction.
For more information please contact Marilyn DeYoung at (630)783-5157 or email mdeyoung@ccsd66.org.
