Breaking Into the Classroom Course

Less than 30% of speech pathologists provide therapy inside the classroom. Classroom-based therapy improves relationships with teachers and aligns therapy with academic goals. There are six models for co-teaching: one teaches one observes, one teacher's one assist, parallel teach, station teaching, alternative teaching, and team teaching. The most common but least effective model is one teaches one observes. One teacher's one assist is successful in one-on-one cases with assistant teachers helping out. Parallel teach splits the class in half to provide more attention to children who need it. Station teaching involves splitting content and rotating through students. Alternative teaching is commonly used with special education assistance, pulling aside a small group for specific instruction. Team teaching is the ultimate co-teaching model, with both the SLP and teacher contributing to the lesson. Co-teaching influences writing, language and narrative development, and pronunciation. Understanding student requirements helps SLPs better assist them. There is a course available for more information on breaking into classroom service delivery in schools.