Providing written language services in the schools: the time is now.
OBJECTIVE
The current study was conducted to investigate the provision of written language services by school-based speech-language pathologists (SLPs). Specifically, the study examined SLPs' knowledge, attitudes, and collaborative practices in the area of written language services as well as the variables that impact provision of these services.


METHODS
Public school-based SLPs from across the country were solicited for participation in an online, Web-based survey. Data from 645 full-time SLPs from 49 states were evaluated using descriptive statistics and logistic regression.


RESULTS
Many school-based SLPs reported not providing any services in the area of written language to students with written language weaknesses. Knowledge, attitudes, and collaborative practices were mixed. A logistic regression revealed three variables likely to predict high levels of service provision in the area of written language.


CONCLUSIONS
Data from the current study revealed that many struggling readers and writers on school-based SLPs' caseloads are not receiving services from their SLPs. Implications for SLPs' preservice preparation, continuing education, and doctoral preparation are discussed.
Fallon
Karen A
KA
Towson University, Department of Audiology, Speech-Language Pathology, and Deaf Studies, 8000 York Road, Towson, MD 21252, USA. kfallon@towson.edu
Katz
Lauren A
LA
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D002648:Child; D003299:Cooperative Behavior; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003479:Curriculum; D004410:Dyslexia / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000628:therapy; D005260:Female; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D006801:Humans; D033183:Interdisciplinary Communication; D007805:Language Development Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000628:therapy*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012572:School Health Services / Q000600:supply & distribution*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014956:Writing