Friday, February 19, 2010

RTI Articulation Groups

As a result of recent speech and language screenings it has been determined that a handful of Prairieview students, while functioning well in the classroom, could benefit from Sound Improvement Training. This is an intervention being offered to students in compliance with the government's new Response to Intervention (RtI) program.

The program allows students to benefit from speech and language service without initially being placed in special education. RtI is a preventative measure that provides the student an opportunity to possibly reduce his/her risk for articulation difficulties that may negatively affect his/her educational performance.

In the Sound Improvement Group, the speech pathologist will meet with students with similar needs in small groups to 1) check for stimulability of sound production, 2) provide interventions to develop correct articulation, and 3) track data to interpret future needs of each student. This is a preventative measure used for a specific amount of time (up to 12 weeks) to see how the child's sound production develops. Participation at home is warranted for the duration of this program. Homework will be given and each child is expected to practice while in this group.

The next Sound Improvement Group at Prairieview will be offered March-May. Parents may contact Mrs. DeYoung if they are interested in their child participating in a group.