Caseload Characteristics of School Speech-Language Pathologists in Missouri

Saturday, 2:30pm to 4:30pm
Rooms 74/75/76
ST8
In any educational institution, caseload has significant impact on the demand for teachers, retention of teachers, quality of service delivered and student performance. This becomes even more conspicuous in special education settings, where a shortage of special education teachers has long been a chronic problem. In our current research, a statewide survey of speech-language pathologists (SLPs) was conducted to study caseload issues in Missouri. The survey was aimed at discovering the evolution of SLP caseload numbers over the past ten years, SLP caseload characteristics, SLP service delivery models and the application of workload approaches for caseload determination in Missouri. The survey was web-based and anonymously distributed to members of the Missouri Speech-Language Hearing Association (MSHA) via email. Survey development and methodology will be shared and discussed. Statistical analysis of the survey results will provide insight into the status of SLP caseloads across Missouri. Understanding SLP caseload has many implications and applications. This work provides a current assessment of SLP caseload and workplace characteristics in Missouri. It also lays the groundwork for our future research on SLP workload analysis, service delivery model investigation and complex SLP class scheduling problems.
Track: 
Student, Multi-Interest