SmithInterview

I interviewed Aaron Naginey who is a speech therapist for the Shikellamy school district. Aaron told me he writes responses to"speech and language screenings". These tell the teacher whether or not he sees a serious concern that warrants an evaluation or 30-60 day intervention. He writes daily logs based on performance in relation to goals. For example: "Ike was able to complete 7/10 accurate responses to "wh" questions". Ike attended to the speaker for 60% of the session. Aaron also writes evaluations based on standardized tests that get shared with guardians and teachers and could go into an educational plan. Individualized education plans (IEP's) that average 23 pages and give diagnoses, goals, treatment plan, frequency of service and specifically designed instruction (guides for teacher intervention in class - such as modeling grammar) are also something Aaron has responsibility for. Progress reports are written quarterly to let parents and teachers follow a child's progress. Also dismissal notes are done through ER's (evaluation reports every 3 years at least). Medicaid billing is done for each person who qualifies, and reimburses the school or agency for service time. In the average day, Aaron writes around 20 progress logs/notes and medicaid billing sheets, around 1 screening per week, and 1 evaluation per 1-2 weeks. All these things assist teachers in guiding class instruction for each child that has a special need. The IEP plans help all personnel and parents to understand how the child will be successful in a class given our support, yet remain part of the regular education system with the least interruption of time. Getting the child to progress through the speech or language treatment plan is the long term goal, to be accomplished as efficiently as possible. This puts the child back with peers and curriculum involvement in a more progressive manner. Discharge has to be the goal, as soon and efficiently as possible, and usually when the child meets 80% accuracy on goals or has satisfactory scores on standardized evaluations. As mentioned before, the teachers and parents must be kept aware of treatment and progression in treatment, as well as how "they can help" outside of the speech - langauge environment, to reinforce goals. Principles and special education supervisors have a small role in making sure inclusion takes place as much as possible, and to hear our concerns as advocates for the child. Medicaid looks at Aaron's reports to ensure proper avenues are taken when billing is done. Also SSI disability personnel may ask Aaron for performance questionairres to be completed, to see if parents of disabled children are eligible for extra money to help them outside of school. Keeping up with the paperwork helps keep Aaron organized with seeing a progression for the child's goals. Charting is key, with each session. This gives Aaron a quantified number, as most agencies, such as the state, want to see measurable progress to allow treatment to continue. It also gives Aaron something tangible for the parent and caregivers to see and keep track of, so there is less need for informal meetings, which can be good at times. However, often a caseload will consist of 50-65 students and out time is sometimes not adequate to give weekly discussion to parents.

Response: I was pretty familiar with most of the information Aaron gave to me about the different type of writing speech therapists are responsible for. I was able to see different types of screening tests and evaluation sheets while I job shadowed with both Aaron, and his wife Maureen who is a speech therapist for the district as well. I was also very familiar with IEP's that are written for each student. The area I was most unfamiliar with was the Medicaid billing process and information that must be filled out. Because I am a very organized person, I was pleased with the organization a speech therapist must have to be successful in helping students and communicating a more specialized education plan with the teachers. It seems like Aaron always has a busy schedule and many different evaluations and screening to keep up with. This could question my idea to take the route of working with a school district if I choose a more laid back schedule. I really felt this interview gave me a much better look at all of the writing that is required in my profession and what I will have to look forward to after I enter the field.