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The IDEA 2004 Part B final regulations include significant changes that can affect the qualifications for speech-language pathologists (SLPs) working in the schools. The regulations require that state standards governing the qualifications of related service personnel and paraprofessionals serving children with disabilities be consistent with any state-approved or state-recognized certification, licensing, or other comparable requirement applicable to a specific discipline. Such personnel must not have had their certification or licensure requirements waived on an emergency, temporary, or provisional basis. The regulations allow the use of paraprofessionals who are appropriately trained and supervised.
States are no longer required to develop a comprehensive system of personnel development but must adopt policies that require local education agencies to take measurable steps to recruit, hire, and retain highly qualified personnel.
The regulations allow the hiring of SLPs and audiologists that meet the requirements of any state-recognized certificate or license and remove the provision that requires state education personnel standards to meet the highest requirement for a profession or discipline in that state, consistent with a change in the IDEA statute. It is important that members be vigilant concerning any threats to lower personnel standards in their state and work with state decision-makers to ensure that personnel standards are maintained.
To assist members in these efforts, ASHA has established a Focused Initiative (FI) on Personnel Issues in Healthcare and Education. As part of the FI, ASHA has developed the following resources:
- A comprehensive packet on recruitment and retention of qualified personnel in schools. The packet offers effective strategies for hiring qualified personnel and includes examples of successful strategies used by districts and states to address this issue. Visit ASHA's SLP Recruitment section to access the packet.
- A summary of innovative programs addressing personnel vacancies in health care and education. This resource can be found in the Speech-Language Pathology member section by clicking on "Innovative Programs to Address Personnel Vacancies in Health Care and Education."
- New career awareness materials including a new brochure, "Reward Yourself with a Career as a School-Based SLP." ASHA members may receive up to 25 free copies by contacting ASHA's Action Center at 800-498-2071 and requesting item #0804366.
Visit ASHA's Focused Initiatives for more information.
—Susan Karr
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