|
|
|
|
|
Palos
West currently has two full time and one part time speech language
pathologists to service students with communication disorders. We would like to share information with you
regarding communication disorders and how we can work with you if your child
needs help in this area. Speech
and language services are provided for students 3-5 years old and for
students in Kindergarten through 5th grade in the West building
who have been found eligible based on state criteria. Based on eligibility criteria, preschool
students may receive speech and language services through one of the
following programs: as a resource
student, with services in the speech room, Early Childhood Program or our At
Risk Preschool program. Students in
Kindergarten through 5th grade who are enrolled in the speech and
language program may receive their speech and language services within the
classroom, the speech-language resource room or as a combination of
both. Therapy
is provided to improve a student’s articulation, language, fluency and/or
voice quality. Following is a brief
explanation of each communication disorder. Articulation: Articulation is the accuracy and
precision of speech sound production.
Grade level
expectancy for sounds: ·
Kindergarten: k and g, f and v ·
First grade: l ·
Second grade s,
z, r, sh, ch, j, th Language: Language encompasses these areas: vocabulary/ semantics- the understanding and use of words and
their meaning syntax - correct use of
grammatical forms pragmatics - functional use of
language for social and academic performance verbal – ability to
express ideas in a sequential and logical expression manner Voice - the ability to use appropriate pitch,
resonance, quality and volume for
age and gender Fluency
(stuttering)
– the flow of speech; it covers
breaks or
interruptions, repetitions, or prolongations in that flow. The number and type of
dysfluencies are quantified
based on conversational
samples The
ability to be an effective communicator has a direct impact on your child’s
academic and social experiences. Strong communication skills allow your child
to make sense of his world, to express himself and to learn. Because these skills are essential to
learning, early identification of a problem is crucial. Our responsibilities include diagnosing a
communication disorder and evaluating its nature and extent. Treatment is provided as necessary. If a
communication disorder is suspected, a student may be referred either by a
parent and/or classroom teacher. Our
district also offers preschool screenings for children between the ages of 3
and 5. These are held in the months of
October, January and March. Parents
are informed of the specific dates and times through the school newsletter,
local newspaper announcements and posted on community marquis. TEN REASONS TO REFER FOR
SPEECH-LANGUAGE SERVICES 1.
Shows difficulty saying specific sounds or pronouncing words. 2.
Repeats sounds or words (stuttering) 3.
Voice consistently sounds abnormally scratchy and
rough. 4.
Doesn’t adequately express himself or herself 5.
Shows difficulty following verbal directions 6.
Doesn’t ask questions to clarify 7.
Doesn’t participate in class discussions 8.
Uses incorrect sentence structure or very basic sentence structure for age 9.
Shows difficulty using language socially with peers 10.
Doesn’t understand the subtleties of language, such as jokes, idioms, and polite
suggestions If you have any concerns
about your child’s communication skills, please contact us at Palos West
448-6888. |
