(63) Changing the Workload Narrative…It’s Time!

Abstract: The workloads of school-based speech language pathologists have always been overwhelming, but the impact of the pandemic has caused unprecedented therapist burnout and significant shortages of qualified service providers. “Workload for Special Educators” has been law in Illinois since 2008-09, but remains sporadically practiced. In many districts, administrators continue to default to the older portion of the law which allows them to max out caseloads at 60 students per SLP, regardless of student demographics or level of severity/need. During this extended presentation, attendees will gain knowledge to build confidence in advocating for the implementation of a workload analysis to improve the health, morale and working environment of SLP/SSP teams and the services they provide in their districts.

Summary of Presentation : This presentation will provide an expanded and more in-depth look at workload analysis and how to advocate for positive change and implementation of workload analysis for appropriate staffing, best practices in provision of interventions for the students served, their families, teachers and school districts. Learning how to navigate the system and other difficult conversations will be addressed. It is hoped that the extended time for this session will allow for interaction and dialogue with other attendees and more meaningful Q & A time.