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Semin Speech Lang 2009; 30(2): 090-104
DOI: 10.1055/s-0029-1215717
© Thieme Medical Publishers

Speech-Language Pathologists as Primary Contributors to Response to Intervention at the Secondary Level

Barbara J. Ehren1 , Kathleen Whitmire2
  • 1Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida
  • 2Response to Intervention Action Network, National Center for Learning Disabilities, New York, New York
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Publication History

Publication Date:
27 April 2009 (online)

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ABSTRACT

Response to intervention (RTI) is currently receiving attention at the middle and high school levels. Although many academic and behavioral needs in secondary schools may warrant an RTI initiative, lack of literacy skills in adolescents is among the most important because language and literacy are foundational to curriculum learning. Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) have much to offer secondary RTI initiatives, given their expertise in language and literacy. Therefore, they need to become primary contributors. This article addresses several important conditions necessary to bring SLPs into the forefront with RTI at the secondary level by discussing (1) having a common understanding of RTI that is being implemented differently across the country; (2) understanding the rationale for adopting RTI at the secondary level; (3) defining unique contributions of SLPs that add value to RTI initiatives in middle and high schools; (4) exploring what it takes for SLPs to become involved, including attention to curriculum and literacy, changing the perceptions of others regarding the roles of SLPs, restructuring of delivery models, and replacing a caseload approach to service delivery with a workload approach; (5) establishing productive working relationships among professionals in secondary schools; and (6) exerting leadership to move forward in RTI involvement.

KEYWORDS

Response to intervention - secondary education - speech-language pathologists - secondary RTI - adolescent literacy

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Dr. Barbara J EhrenEd.D. CCC-SLP 

Director of the Doctoral Program, Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders

University of Central Florida HPA2-109, 4000 Central Florida Blvd., Orlando, FL 32826

Email: behren@mail.ucf.edu

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