Dear Parents:
RRISD is introducing a new research-based model to provide a high quality speech and language service and support for your child. Speech-Language Pathologists (SLP) will integrate speech and language therapy with classroom curriculum to improve each student’s ability to generalize skills learned in Speech. This model is being used in many school districts throughout the country.
The 3:1 schedule will consist of 3 weeks of Direct Therapy with your child and one week of Indirect Therapy, every month. Indirect Therapy is designed to increase progress and generalization of communication skills across the settings. Indirect Therapy activities may include but are not limited to:
· Observing your child in the classroom,
· Training others to support your child,
· Creating materials for your child to use in the classroom or at home,
· Designing appropriate intervention plans,
· Increasing collaboration with teachers, staff, and parents
Each student will continue to receive services according to his/her current Individualized Education Plan (IEP). During Admission, Review and Dismissal Meetings (ARD), you will begin to hear discussions about documenting both Direct and Indirect speech therapy services. RRISD therapists have consistently provided varied levels of speech services on behalf of students (Indirect Therapy); however, we will now document these services in each student’s IEP.
We are eager to continually improve the quality of speech and language services for your child. We strongly believe this model will enable us to provide more efficient and effective services for your child and all students with communication needs.
If you have questions, please feel free to contact your campus SLP or Phuong Lien Palafox, Lead for Speech Therapy Services, at 512-428-3024.
Thank you for your support and cooperation! We look forward to working with you and your child during the 2011-2012 school year.
Phuong Lien Palafox Linda Noy
Lead for Elementary Speech Therapy Services Director of Special Education
(512) 428-3024 (512) 464-5140