School Advocacy Resources

Success Stories

School District Success Stories—Learn how school-based SLPs have successfully advocated for improved conditions in their district.

Facilities & Working Conditions

Advocating for Special Education Working Conditions [PDF] (National Education Association) – This resource focuses on the working conditions of general and special educators who work with students with disabilities.

Appropriate School Facilities for Students with Speech-Language-Hearing Disorders – This report contains minimum requirements for creating optimal learning and assessment environments for students. It is designed to be a reference when building a new school, redesigning an existing structure, and/or advocating for improvement of facility work conditions.

Working for Change: A Guide for Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists in Schools [PDF] – This guide offers strategies on how to negotiate with school unions/associations and school administrators to advocate for identified individual and local needs.

NEA Backgrounder: Special Education Workload Analysis Model [PDF]

Funding

School Funding Advocacy – Identify and understand the complex and multiple funding processes involved in public school-based services from federal, state, and local perspectives.

Every Student Succeeds Act

Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) (U.S. Department of Education) – ESSA legislation, regulations, guidance and resources.

Crosswalk of Current Law with Every Student Succeeds Act (National Education Association) [PDF]

Salaries & Benefits

Increasing Salaries in the Schools – Information on advocating for higher salaries and additional benefits with school unions and administrators.

Salary Supplement Initiative – This resource guide provides information on advocating for the salary supplement initiative at the local and state levels.

State Advocacy

State Education Advocacy Leaders (SEALs) – Appointed by ASHA recognized state speech-language-hearing associations, SEALs advocate on education issues, including caseload/workload, salary supplements, and maintenance on personnel standards.