Speech Pathologists & Audiologists in Louisiana Schools, Inc.
P.O. Box 12177
Lake Charles, LA 70612

Dear legislator (PUT THE NAME),

In the upcoming legislative session, House Bill 1317 (HB1317) has been proposed which will provide speech-language pathologists (SLPs) and audiologists who hold nationally recognized certification with a salary supplement equal to the National Teacher Certification supplement.  We hope that we can count on your support for this bill as it works its way through the legislative process. 

The services that communication professionals provide for children are often critical to their educational progress.  Communication is the first Foundation Skill identified by the Louisiana Department of Education.  It underlies all progress that students are expected to make.  Every Content Standard and Benchmark requires the use of communication skills. 

Communication disorders include hearing loss and deafness; stuttering; voice disorders; articulation disorders; and language disorders.  Up to 10% of elementary school children have communication disorders.  Children with communication disorders are more at-risk for developing reading problems than other students.  If a student has difficulty with communication skills, that student will have difficulty with listening, talking, reading, and writing skills in school.

Audiologists and Speech-Language Pathologists work with children and adults with communication disorders.  Audiologists conduct hearing testing, fit hearing aids and other hearing devices, and assist in educational planning for children with hearing loss and deafness.  Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs) screen and evaluate students with suspected communication disorders, and provide treatment to help them.  These services are provided free of charge to students in the school setting, as a Special Education Service.

Audiologists and SLPs work throughout the entire school setting, in classrooms, therapy rooms, and other parts of the school.  Audiologists and SLPs are classified as Special Education teachers and share many of the same responsibilities.

The Louisiana Department of Education issues specialty area teaching certificates for Audiologists and SLPs who work in schools.  They are also required by law to be licensed by the Louisiana Board of Examiners for Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology (LBESPA).  About half of the SLPs and audiologists working in Louisiana schools have Master’s degrees in Communication Disorders and hold the Certificate of Clinical Competence from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (a nationally recognized credential).  Louisiana has one of the highest percentages in the nation of highly qualified communication professionals working in schools.

In view of the essential services that audiologists and SLPs provide and the high level of education and training they undergo, it is only just that they should be recompensed at the same rate as teachers who also strive to attain nationally recognized standards. We ask again that you support House Bill 1317 (HB1317).  If you would like any more information, please feel free to contact me.  (I hope to see you on Tuesday, May 6 for our Day at the Capitol.)

Sincerely yours,

Name and stuff