RCS Speech-Language Webpage

A speech-language pathologist is also called a speech therapist. A speech therapist treat speech, language, and swallowing disorders (see below for more information on each of these areas) in individuals of all ages, from infants to the elderly, as well as, evaluate and diagnose speech, language, and swallowing disorders.

A speech therapist goes to college to learn how speech works and how to help people who have problems with communication. To be a speech therapist, you need to graduate from college and get a master's degree. Speech therapists must pass a test to show that they know their stuff. A Speech therapist who works in a school district must have New York State Teacher's Certification and License. National certification of speech-language pathology is not mandatory, but often required. Certification is maintained thru the American Speech-Hearing Association (www.asha.org). Speech-language pathologists are also required to earn continuing education credits in order to keep current in the field of speech-language pathology as well as maintain certification and licensure.

A speech therapist considers each student's strengths, needs, learning level, age.....students may receive therapy within the classroom (i.e., push in services) or in one-to-one and/or a small group setting (i.e., pull out services). Push-in services are used when the speech therapist goes into the classroom to provide support to students and teachers, identify learning problems, and develop strategies for success within the classroom. Pull-out services are the traditional small group instruction within the privacy of the speech therapy room. Pull-out services are used to provide extra help and/or address specific needs such as voice, fluency or articulation in a private environment. Speech therapists are also available to provide consultant services and information to teaching staff regarding past learning problems, compensatory strategies (e.g., use of listening aids, FM systems, etc.) and/or medical conditions or medications that can adversely affect a student's communication and education.