In this episode of School of Speech, Carolyn Dolby, MS, CCC-SLP, is joined by Julia Yi, PhD, CCC-SLP, to tackle one of the most complex questions school-based SLPs face: when is it appropriate to continue services, and when is it time to dismiss?
Together, they unpack what ASHA and IDEA actually say about eligibility and dismissal, moving beyond surface-level guidance to examine how these decisions play out in real school settings. The conversation also explores the nationwide shift away from the speech or language impairment category as students get older, and what that means for caseloads, service delivery, and student support.
You’ll gain a clearer understanding of the SLP’s role in accurately identifying and supporting adolescent students, including how literacy and written language factor into “academic achievement and functional performance” within the IEP process. Carolyn and Dr. Yi also address the ethical considerations, systems-level pressures, and common barriers that can complicate dismissal decisions, offering perspective to help you navigate these moments with greater confidence and clarity.
Together, they unpack what ASHA and IDEA actually say about eligibility and dismissal, moving beyond surface-level guidance to examine how these decisions play out in real school settings. The conversation also explores the nationwide shift away from the speech or language impairment category as students get older, and what that means for caseloads, service delivery, and student support.
You’ll gain a clearer understanding of the SLP’s role in accurately identifying and supporting adolescent students, including how literacy and written language factor into “academic achievement and functional performance” within the IEP process. Carolyn and Dr. Yi also address the ethical considerations, systems-level pressures, and common barriers that can complicate dismissal decisions, offering perspective to help you navigate these moments with greater confidence and clarity.
