Survey of Speech-Language Pathologists in the California Public Schools 2010

Workload drives the role the of the public school based speech and language pathologist (SLP). However, the long-standing assumption is that the demand for SLP personnel is driven by caseload. This study examined the issues impacting the workload of California (CA) school-based SLPs including employment factors, caseload, job satisfaction, personnel, and demographics. This work joins the few state-level studies completed on the topic of workload. The dissertation presents quantitative and qualitative research findings from a 43 item survey. A total of 420 respondents from approximately 900 randomly selected school-based SLPs who are members of the California Speech-Language-Hearing Association (CSHA) participated in the study.

Quantitative data show the demographic profile of CA school-based SLPs as 95% female, 12% more ethnically diverse than the national average of 5%, and 12% who speak two to four languages. The data support previous national research projecting significant shortages of school-based SLPs within the next ten years for both full- and part-time SLPs. The number of preparation programs is not commensurate with population needs. Three quarters of all SLPs report agreement they are satisfied with their job, of which 80% also report that they do not complete their workload demands within the contracted work day. Sixty-six percent of SLPs report that SLPAs reduce their workload and 51% report SLP aides reduce workload.

The average caseload for full-time SLPs who do not have a reduced workload or work solely with preschool students is 61; 57 for SLPs who work full-time; and 32 for SLPs who work solely with preschool students. Qualitative data reveal the top five reasons SLPs like to work in the CA public schools include: collaboration, academic calendar, pay and benefits, variety of disabilities, and working with the kids. SLPs report the greatest challenges as paperwork, time, lack of understanding of the role, caseload, and mandates. Quantitative data show that as caseload increases workload increases and individual services to students and job satisfaction decreases. The outcomes of this study indicate a need to address SLP workload, service delivery options to address all students' needs in the public schools, and possible future supply and demand imbalances.