Legal Educational Framework
Under ESSA, SLPs are classified as:
Specialized Instructional Support Personnel (SISP)
➡️ ESSA recognizes SLPs as key school support professionals.
Ethical principle requiring SLP to “do good”
Beneficence
Dialect vs Disorder
Dialect = difference
NOT a disorder
Exclusionary bias in research
Systematic exclusion of diverse participants.
CAS student intelligible but anxious about presentations
Dismiss from IDEA → Recommend 504 Plan
Which law provides the legal right to evaluation?
IDEA
Autonomy in AAC means:
User chooses what to say, when, and to whom.
Accent modification is considered:
An elective service, not treatment of a disorder.
Why exclusionary bias harms standardized tests
Norms may not represent diverse populations → false positives.
Governing bodies for Georgia SLPs
ASHA + PSC + Secretary of State
Student needs accommodations but NOT specially designed instruction — what plan?
504 Plan
ASHA Code of Ethics applies to:
All members, certificate holders, and applicants.
Intersectionality
Overlapping identities (race, disability, class) affecting experience.
Checklist approach to culture criticized because:
Encourages stereotyping and static views of culture.
Key ethical issue with AI communication tools
Ownership/authenticity of voice & data.
Difference between IDEA and Section 504
IDEA → IEP + specialized instruction
504 → accommodations & equal access
If asked to provide a service you’re not competent in
Obtain training & supervision before providing.
Disproportionality in special education
Over/under-representation of racial or ethnic groups in disability categories.
SLP role at Tier 1 literacy support
Collaborator (SISP) supporting teachers and curriculum.
Why is intersectionality important in assessment?
Multiple identities affect communication experiences and risk of bias.
Transition from Part C (IFSP) to Part B (IEP) at age 3 — key shift
Family-centered → Student-centered educational model
Medical Diagnoses: SLP's jurisdiction?
We collaborate with Radiologists to determine dysphagia. We can also determine developmental delays for children but we do not make medical diagnoses independently.
ASHA's Cultural Competence Definition
An ongoing process of self-reflection and learning.
Student struggling but no disability — support method
MTSS Tier 1 or Tier 2 interventions.
What do you recommend: 2nd grader struggling but no disability
Use MTSS interventions before special education referral.