What's Going on in Speech

2009-2010

I have been assigned to serve Millbridge and Mt. Ulla Elementary Schools this year.  I will have help at Millbridge from a contract therapist.  If you have specific concerns about this change, please call or email me directly!  Thanks!

Major Changes in the Speech or Language Impaired Program Effective November 2007:

In 2004, IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Educational Act) was reauthorized. In November of 2007, the state of North Carolina passed new guidelines for serving students with disabilities under IDEA. A major change is in the area of speech and language. The new guidelines now state that the impairment must have an adverse effect on academic performance for eligibility. Therefore, a student must be struggling in an academic area as a result of their speech and/or language problem. If a student does not have academic difficulties, they will not be eligible for services despite a present speech and/or language disorder. Teachers will be asked to evidence the academic difficulties using work samples, grades, and state/local test results. Teachers/parents wanting to refer a student for speech services must also complete academic interventions through the school assistance team process prior to a referral. Prior to November of 2007, the N.C. Guidelines for speech required that the impairment have a negative impact on social, academic or vocational skills. Please see the 3rd link listed below for the actual N.C. Guidelines for Exceptional Children.

No changes are made to services without an IEP Team Meeting. I will notify you when it is time to review your child's IEP this year and/or when it is time to consider a reevaluation. If you have concerns at other times, please feel free to contact me via email, phoning the school or sending a note through your child's teacher.

If your child does not receive speech/language services, but you have concerns about your child's communication development, please contact your child's school so that we can help!

Thanks for your interest in your child's education!

Jennifer B. Ritchie, MA, CCC-SLP

Speech-Language Pathologist

ritchiej@rss.k12.nc.us

Millbridge Elementary School
155 Ed Deal Road
China Grove, NC 28023

704-855-5591