Issues in the Development of Guidelines for the Preparation and Use of Speech-Language Paraprofessionals and their SL Supervisors Working in Education Settings

Abstract

Speech—language (SL)paraprofessionals (or support personnel)have had a history in the American educational system spanning more than two decades. This article provides an historical perspective on the preparation, use, supervision, and qualification of SL paraprofessionals and the preparation of their SL pathology supervisors working in educational settings. It provides an analysis of ongoing issues that have been barriers to the development of national and state guidelines for their preparation, use, and supervision; guidelines that may have been used to provide “qualified” SL paraprofessionals to learners in education settings during the past several decades. It also provides an analysis of recent issues that have been promoting the development of such guidelines. Recommendations for the resolution of several important issues are presented.