In my experience, the chief complaint of Speech Language Pathologists (SLPs) nationwide is the size of our caseloads and the resulting workload. I am fortunate to work in a district that keeps our numbers around 40 students but I have been in districts where I have seen as many as 94! Throughout my discussions with school-based SLPs in a private Facebook group, I found that people started talking about a new service delivery model and how much they loved it. It was called the 3:1 service delivery model. SLPs were commenting on how they hardly ever brought home paperwork anymore, their stress levels went down, and they felt like the kids were getting better Speech and Language services when compared to a traditional service delivery model.
My Problem Statement
Speech Language Pathologists (SLPs) nationwide are leaving the school-based setting due to high caseload numbers and inadequate pay. Despite state caps on the sizes of caseloads, SLPs report feeling increased levels of stress as the regulatory paperwork increases. This problem is affecting the speech and language services provided to the children as qualified SLPs become harder to not only hire but retain. The 3:1 service delivery model could lead to reduced feelings of stress despite high caseload numbers which could lead to improved retention for districts. However, a lack of research exists examining the SLPs' perceived stress levels when comparing traditional therapy models versus 3:1 service delivery model.
Great job Megan! This is definitely a resounding problem (and often dissertation problem) with SLPD students (though your approach is unique!). I appreciate that you focused on the root problem (high turnover) as opposed to the lack of research for your problem statement! Only one minor comment, effecting should be affecting in your problem statement paragraph.
ReplyDeleteFixed! Thanks so much!
DeleteOh, one more comment; start your problem statement with
ReplyDeleteThe problem to be addressed in this study is...
so that it jumps out at the reader.