Question about Education and PWS
Hello! I am an undergraduate student interested in the field of Speech Language Pathology. I was wondering– does having a stutter put an individual at a disadvantage for academic achievement in our current American public education system? If so, are there any ways we could change the system to accommodate people with stutters or other language disorders?
Dear Ems241,
Hi! Thank you for asking questions and congrats on being an undergraduate student. What an exciting time to learn!
Like all of life, nothing is perfect. Nothing! The US education system is the same way. There current help students get (in Speech Language Pathology) is a lot better, more effective, and diverse than ever. That being said, what change that could be made are getting more SLPs in the schools in order to decrease case loads so clinicians can focus on 1 on 1, or 2 on 1 therapy. With more small individual groups, kids who stutter can get more practice and the individual treatment they may need. It would also allow clinicians to create speech support groups (when time permits) to encourage confidence building with communication.
Something to remember is the education system consists of so many great teachers, professionals, SLPs, and those who directly work with kids to make their lives better. AND, the powers that be can do a lot more to help these wonderful professionals with better pay and more resources. Schools should be castles of learning and growth with the best of the best teachers and support staff. Our kids are future in countless ways. Those who develop the future should be respected and treated as such.
Another point is that SLPs have more access to online learning and education that they can learn best practice with. So, if we can allow them time to get continuing education and if school districts brought in professionals to do in services, then SLPs and teachers would have MORE appropriate education.
We can always learn more, think more, and evolve. Schools are no different.
Thanks! I hope this helps!
With compassion and kindness,
Scott