L&L Therapy Services, LLC

In today's school settings, speech-language pathologists are likely to engage in assessment, intervention, and consultation for students from culturally and linguistically diverse populations. Therefore, speech-language pathology graduate programs must make changes that will prepare monolingual and bilingual graduate students to meet the needs of these children. Graduate students can learn information about cultural and linguistic diversity through independent courses and when these topics are incorporated into all courses. Practicum placements and experiences with children from culturally and linguistically diverse populations in the community can provide the necessary skills. When practicum experiences with diverse children are not available, faculty may consider simulated experiences, as well as experiences with typical speakers from other linguistic and cultural backgrounds.

The speech-language pathologist (SLP) working in the public schools has a wide variety of tasks. Educational preparation is not all that is needed to be an effective school-based SLP. As a SLP currently working in the capacity of a program coordinator, the author describes the skills required to fulfill the job requirements and responsibilities of the SLP in the school setting and advises the new graduate regarding the interview process and beginning a career in the public schools.

Working in the schools today requires more than the skills and knowledge for addressing the communication and swallowing disorders that children exhibit. With changes in the way speech-language pathologists (SLPs) perceive themselves and their purpose within their school setting, there must also be changes in the way graduate programs prepare the next generation of school-based speech-language pathologists. This paper addresses those critical skills that will enable school-based SLPs to work within and help to create a school culture that embodies (a) flexibility in service delivery; (b) constant attention to promoting children's successful performance within the regular education curriculum; (c) collaboration among professionals, children, and parents; (d) advocacy for the highest quality services to children and the expanding role of the SLP in that effort; and (e) using evidence to support clinical practice. We will also address what university graduate programs can do to support the development of those skills.

Alaska, like the rest of the nation, has been experiencing a significant shortage of speech-language pathologists (SLPs). This shortage has been acutely felt in Alaska's public schools. Without an in-state graduate program, Alaska is unable to produce a qualified pool of candidates to fill SLP positions. This article will discuss a collaborative training program between the University of Alaska Anchorage and East Carolina University designed to address the SLP shortage in Alaska schools.

This article explores the potential of virtual simulation technology in preparing university students for real-world experiences. SimuCase^TM, a Web-based virtual simulation application designed to support best practice in speech-language pathology, is described. The research base for learning via virtual simulations also is described. This type of simulation using case studies encourages the user to select and analyze client data to improve clinical decision-making skills in the area of assessment and supports Knowledge and Skills Assessment competencies of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association.

The focus of graduate programs in communication sciences and disorders has changed greatly in the last decade to reflect changes in society in general. Newly formed graduate programs must account for these societal changes as they prepare students for practice in the 21st century. This article will discuss what is expected of new graduates, how teaching philosophies influence course content, and how a new graduate program in communication sciences and disorders came to be.