The following document is a non-regulatory, optional speech-language guidance document that was developed by an ISHA school-based task force for districts in 2017 to use when considering best practice and eligibility/dismissal decisions for students.
What impacts caseload size is a complex issue, but it was found that districts (nationally and locally) who have used similar guidance have more reasonable caseloads than districts who don’t have guidance considerations. This document also emphasizes that caseload is just one part of the SLP’s responsibilities in schools. The range of roles that the SLP has in schools needs to be considered for the SLP to work most collaboratively with other general education and special education professionals, as well as to work toward supporting positive outcomes for all students.
This guidance document has been reviewed by ICASE Executive Committee members (they provided input, and collaborative updates were made to the document). The document was also shared with the IDOE’s Office of Special Education for review.
