Best Practices

This ASHA FAQ page answers common questions about school-based speech-language services—covering eligibility and dismissal criteria, assessment and diagnosis, IEP roles, qualified providers, and service delivery protocols under federal and state laws.

School Services Frequently Asked Questions

ASHA Professional Issues Statement by Ad Hoc Committee.

SLPs Roles and Responsibilities in Schools

This ASHA guide offers a practical roadmap for speech‑language pathologists seeking to begin or restart a career in school settings—covering federal regulations (like IDEA), eligibility, service delivery models, documentation, caseload/workload, state-specific licensure, salary insights, and collaborative roles within educational teams.

Working in the School Setting: A Guide to Begin or Reignite Your Career in Schools
 

Researched-backed treatment strategies by disorder area.

ASHA Evidence Maps

Evidence-based treatment guidelines across communication disorders

ASHA Practice Portal

Advocacy document outlining every student's right to communication access

Bill of Language Rights

Highlights six innovative practices for school-based SLPs, including AI tools, multilingual assessment, and AAC strategies

Forum: Innovations for School-Based Practitioners (2025)

Tools, templates, and supports for school-based practice

Resources for School-Based SLPs

Models and strategies for delivering services in school settings

School-Based Service Delivery in Speech-Language Pathology

State laws specifies the maximum caseload for a speech and language specialist providing services children with disabilities, between the ages of three and five years, shall not exceed a count of 40.

California Education Code section 56441.7

State law specifies that the average caseload for language, speech, and hearing specialists in a SELPA shall not exceed 55 cases, unless the local plan specifies a higher average caseload and the reasons for the greater average caseload.

California Education Code section 56441.7

This resource focuses on caseload and workload issues specific to school-based speech-language pathologists (SLPs).

ASHA Caseload and Workload