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Abstract: Approve “A Workload Analysis Approach for Establishing Speech-Language Caseload Standards in the Schools: Guidelines”
RESOLVED, That “A Workload Analysis Approach for Establishing Speech-Language Caseload Standards in the Schools: Guidelines” be approved as ASHA policy; and further
RESOLVED, That ” A Workload Analysis Approach for Establishing Speech-Language Caseload Standards in the Schools: Guidelines” be published in the next annual supplement to The ASHA Leader, be posted on the Web site, be made available upon request from the ASHA Action Center, and Fax-on-Demand, and be included in the next revision of the ASHA Desk Reference; and further
RESOLVED, That the 1992 Guidelines entitled “Caseload Size and Guidelines for Speech-Language Service Delivery in the Schools” (LC 36-92) be rescinded.
RATIONALE: For years, ASHA's school-based members have reported that large caseloads are their major challenge in providing services to children with disabilities. Large caseloads constrain the speech-language pathologist’s (SLP) ability and capacity to engage in the expanded roles and responsibilities shaped by legislative, demographic, and professional factors. The existing ASHA policy document on caseloads (1993) has not had a significant impact on state or local policies establishing caseload standards. In response to this ongoing need, a revision of ASHA's policy on caseload size was included in the 2001-2003 Focused Initiative: School Based Programs and Services, with the charge that documents be developed that used an approach based on workload activities and that could serve as a template for state and local education agencies when determining caseload size. The resulting family of documents conceptualizes caseload as only one part of a school-based SLP's total workload in meeting students’ needs as mandated by IDEA ’97. Workload includes times for direct services as well as the associated and ancillary activities and responsibilities that are directly related to services with and on behalf of children. The proposed guidelines will demonstrate ASHA's leadership in meeting the needs of school-based SLPs by providing a caseload approach that considers the many factors that affect workload in the schools.
OUTCOME(S): Increase the number of speech-language pathologists who have the necessary knowledge of how to define workload to include time for direct services as well as time for the associated and ancillary activities and responsibilities directly related to the caseload. Ensure compliance with IDEA ’97, state and local mandates, and professional activities and responsibilities associated with working in a school setting.
Increase the number of state and local education agencies using workload as the basis for establishing reasonable caseload standards.
BUDGET IMPACT: Funds for the publication and dissemination of this document are already included in the operating budget of the Association.
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