Speech Language Assistant (SLA) CPSO

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Course numbers with the # symbol included (e.g. #400) have not been taught in the last 3 years.

SLA 500 - Role of the Speech-Language Assistant

Credits: 4

This course is designed to provide students with an overview of the profession of a Speech-Language Assistant. Topics include professional ethics, the American Speech-Language Hearing Association (ASHA), and gaining familiarity with the association's guidelines for becoming a registered Speech Language Assistant. Also discussed are roles and responsibilities such as observing, documenting, defining, and understanding goals and objectives in educational and medical settings; implementing both immediate and long-term accommodations; working as part of a team; practicing appropriate health and safety precautions; and working effectively with cultural differences in diverse populations.

Attributes: Writing Intensive Course

Equivalent(s): COMM 511G, INST 511G

Grade Mode: Letter Grading

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  1. Define the roles and responsibilities of the Speech-Language Pathology Assistant in various settings.
  2. Discuss what ASHA is and its guidelines for the SLPA.
  3. Define and explain the ethical responsibilities.
  4. Understand the importance of observation and documentation and describe various documentation methods.
  5. Describe Universal Precautions.
  6. Identify preparation steps and procedures for intervention activities.
  7. Analyze goals and objectives, and identify appropriate therapy techniques, distinguish best practices for implementing intervention strategies, and generalize techniques for application in a variety of settings.
  8. Articulate and practice ways to work with diverse populations including clients in inclusive settings who may have significant cognitive impairments.

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SLA 501 - Survey of Communication Disorders

Credits: 4

This course provides students with knowledge of the basic components and development of speech and language. Historical aspects of Speech-Language and Audiology are addressed. Various disorders including language, articulation, voice, fluency, and hearing are explored.

Prerequisite(s): SLA 500 with a minimum grade of D- or COMM 511G with a minimum grade of D-.

Equivalent(s): COMM 512G, INST 512G

Grade Mode: Letter Grading

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  1. Recognize and describe the various types of difficulties that are present in children with speech-language-hearing problems.
  2. Identify the basic components of speech, language, and hearing.
  3. Explain basic principles and concepts of speech-language development in association with models of speech and language.
  4. Describe and discuss causes and symptoms of various speech, language, and hearing disorders.
  5. Analyze and discuss emotional aspects of communication and communication difficulties.
  6. Identify, describe, debate, and classify the roles of Speech-Language Personnel and trends in service delivery, historically and currently.
  7. Summarize general principles of assessment and intervention appropriate for children with communication disorders.

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SLA 502 - Anatomy and Physiology of Speech and Hearing

Credits: 4

This course is designed to provide students in the speech-language concentration with knowledge of the basic anatomy and physiology of the speech production and perception systems to support understanding of directions from a Speech-Language Pathologist. The focus is on those aspects of anatomy and physiology that are critical for clinical implementation. Measurement tools and instrumentation used in the field are discussed.

Prerequisite(s): SLA 501 with a minimum grade of D- or COMM 512G with a minimum grade of D-.

Equivalent(s): COMM 513G, INST 513G

Grade Mode: Letter Grading

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  1. Identify and explain the basic components of the speech, language, and hearing mechanisms, including anatomical terminology, and identify normal and abnormal functioning.
  2. Construct models and describe basic theories of how we produce and perceive speech.
  3. Describe and discuss basic anatomical and physiological components of respiration, phonation, and articulation.
  4. Describe and discuss basic anatomical and physiological components of the auditory system.
  5. Describe and discuss basic anatomical and physiological components of the neurological system, particularly those responsible for communication.
  6. Analyze specific types of difficulties encountered in their employment settings and associate the appropriate mechanisms and processes with them.

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SLA 503 - Articulation and Phonological Disorders

Credits: 4

This course introduces phonetic principles, categorization of sounds, and various applications of these concepts. Students become familiar with the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA), learn to read a Speech-Language Pathologist's transcription, and develop their own transcription skills. Articulation and phonological disorders are presented and distinctions and direct connections discussed, with the primary emphasis on intervention and remediation strategies. Additional topics include children and adults for whom English is a second language, and individuals with dialectic and/or cultural differences.

Prerequisite(s): SLA 502 with a minimum grade of D- or COMM 513G with a minimum grade of D-.

Equivalent(s): COMM 514G, INST 514G

Grade Mode: Letter Grading

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  1. Explain how sounds are distributed and classified.
  2. Recognize the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA), read transcriptions done by a Speech-Language Pathologist, and perform rudimentary speech sample transcriptions.
  3. Refine specific characteristics that distinguish articulation disorders from phonological disorders.
  4. Describe various articulation and phonological processing therapy techniques.
  5. Perform specific articulation therapy strategies that the SLP has identified as techniques required for rehabilitation.

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SLA 504 - Introduction to Audiology and Aural Rehabilitation

Credits: 4

This course is designed to equip Speech-Language Assistant concentration students with knowledge of the hearing process, symptoms of hearing impairment, basic methods by which an audiologist diagnoses hearing difficulties, and elements of rehabilitative approaches for persons with hearing impairment. An overview of various causes of hearing impairment is explored.

Prerequisite(s): SLA 503 with a minimum grade of D- or COMM 514G with a minimum grade of D-.

Equivalent(s): COMM 515G, INST 515G

Grade Mode: Letter Grading

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  1. Explain the function and structure of auditory mechanisms and processes.
  2. Describe various types and degrees of hearing loss and their relationship to academic, speech/language, and psychosocial listening difficulties.
  3. Recognize and explain general methods of how hearing is assessed.
  4. Identify and employ general approaches and materials used as part of the aural assessment, intervention, and rehabilitation process.
  5. Interpret basic audiological evaluation reports and explain what audiograms represent in terms of a hearing-impaired person's function.
  6. Analyze and discuss emotional aspects of hearing difficulties, identify children who are showing behaviors suggestive of hearing impairment, and discuss possible follow-up measures.

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SLA 506 - Language Acquisition

Credits: 4

This course introduces research, theory, and practical applications pertinent to first language acquisition. The development of language is explored through its five major components: phonology, pragmatics, semantics, morphology, and syntax. Stages of acquisition are traced from pre-linguistic communication in infancy through adolescents' use of abstract thinking and expressions. Distinctions between language disorders and developmental differences are considered, as are relationships between language and literacy skills (reading and writing).

Attributes: HumanBehavSocial Sys (Gen Ed); Writing Intensive Course

Equivalent(s): PSY 521G

Grade Mode: Letter Grading

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  1. Define language, describe its development from infancy through adolescence, and discuss factors contributing to language development.
  2. Explain major theories of language development.
  3. Differentiate between the five major aspects of language (morphology, phonology, syntax, pragmatics, and semantics) and describe their relationship to receptive and expressive language.
  4. Identify and describe pre-linguistic communication, intentional communication, and early language development.
  5. Explain the stages of school-age language development up through the abstract language reasoning phase of adolescence.
  6. Discuss the distinction between language disorders and language difference that may be due to ethnicity, culture, and/or geography.
  7. Analyze the relationship between language acquisition and the development of literacy skills.

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SLA 550 - Clinical Practicum I

Credits: 2

This course provides students in the Speech-Language Assistant concentration with a series of introductory fieldwork experiences during which they will observe Speech-Language Pathologists as they provide speech and language therapy to clients. Students gain practical experience in observing techniques and theories as applied in a therapeutic setting. Twenty-five hours of observation are required for each two-credit practicum, in settings approved by the clinical faculty.

Prerequisite(s): SLA 500 with a minimum grade of D- or COMM 511G with a minimum grade of D-.

Equivalent(s): COMM 516G, INST 516G

Grade Mode: Letter Grading

View Course Learning Outcomes

  1. Observe and discuss procedures and best practices involved in planning, preparing materials, and choosing forms of documentation for therapy sessions.
  2. Identify and evaluate appropriate therapy techniques for use in varying clinical settings and situations.
  3. Choose, plan, and implement specific therapy techniques for individual clients with differing speech and language impairments.
  4. Utilize the Observation Check List Form and the Clinical Therapy Check List Form to document observation sessions, to better understand specific disorders, and to analyze what therapy techniques work best to improve outcomes.
  5. Complete a portfolio that documents their observations and experiences and includes appropriate supporting materials such as all observation and clinical therapy forms and checklists.

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SLA 551 - Clinical Practicum II

Credits: 2

This course provides students in the Speech-Language Assistant concentration with a series of introductory fieldwork experiences during which they will observe Speech-Language Pathologists as they provide speech and language therapy to clients. Students gain practical experience in observing techniques and theories as applied in a therapeutic setting. Twenty-five hours of observation are required for each two-credit practicum, in settings approved by the clinical faculty.

Prerequisite(s): SLA 550 with a minimum grade of D- or COMM 516G with a minimum grade of D-.

Equivalent(s): COMM 516AG, INST 516AG

Grade Mode: Letter Grading

View Course Learning Outcomes

  1. Observe and discuss procedures and best practices involved in planning, preparing materials, and choosing forms of documentation for therapy sessions.
  2. Identify and evaluate appropriate therapy techniques for use in varying clinical settings and situations.
  3. Choose, plan, and implement specific therapy techniques for individual clients with differing speech and language impairments.
  4. Utilize the Observation Check List Form and the Clinical Therapy Check List Form to document observation sessions, to better understand specific disorders, and to analyze what therapy techniques work best to improve outcomes.
  5. Complete a portfolio that documents their observations and experiences and includes appropriate supporting materials such as all observation and clinical therapy forms and checklists.

View Course Learning Outcomes

SLA 552 - Clinical Practicum III

Credits: 2

This course provides students in the Speech-Language Assistant concentration with a series of introductory fieldwork experiences during which they will observe Speech-Language Pathologists as they provide speech and language therapy to clients. Students gain practical experience in observing techniques and theories as applied in a therapeutic setting. Twenty-five hours of observation are required for each two-credit practicum, in settings approved by the clinical faculty.

Prerequisite(s): SLA 551 with a minimum grade of D- or COMM 516G with a minimum grade of D-.

Equivalent(s): COMM 516BG, INST 516BG

Grade Mode: Letter Grading

View Course Learning Outcomes

  1. Observe and discuss procedures and best practices involved in planning, preparing materials, and choosing forms of documentation for therapy sessions.
  2. Identify and evaluate appropriate therapy techniques for use in varying clinical settings and situations.
  3. Choose, plan, and implement specific therapy techniques for individual clients with differing speech and language impairments.
  4. Utilize the Observation Check List Form and the Clinical Therapy Check List Form to document observation sessions, to better understand specific disorders, and to analyze what therapy techniques work best to improve outcomes.
  5. Complete a portfolio that documents their observations and experiences and includes appropriate supporting materials such as all observation and clinical therapy forms and checklists.

View Course Learning Outcomes

SLA 553 - Clinical Practicum IV

Credits: 2

This course provides students in the Speech-Language Assistant concentration with a series of introductory fieldwork experiences during which they will observe Speech-Language Pathologists as they provide speech and language therapy to clients. Students gain practical experience in observing techniques and theories as applied in a therapeutic setting. Twenty-five hours of observation are required for each two-credit practicum, in settings approved by the clinical faculty.

Prerequisite(s): SLA 552 with a minimum grade of D- or COMM 516BG with a minimum grade of D-.

Equivalent(s): COMM 516CG, INST 516CG

Grade Mode: Letter Grading

View Course Learning Outcomes

  1. Observe and discuss procedures and best practices involved in planning, preparing materials, and choosing forms of documentation for therapy sessions.
  2. Identify and evaluate appropriate therapy techniques for use in varying clinical settings and situations.
  3. Choose, plan, and implement specific therapy techniques for individual clients with differing speech and language impairments.
  4. Utilize the Observation Check List Form and the Clinical Therapy Check List Form to document observation sessions, to better understand specific disorders, and to analyze what therapy techniques work best to improve outcomes.
  5. Complete a portfolio that documents their observations and experiences and includes appropriate supporting materials such as all observation and clinical therapy forms and checklists.

View Course Learning Outcomes