🗣️ Speech-Language Pathology at Beattie Elementary
Beattie Elementary offers invaluable speech-language services through Riley Simonton, SLP, ensuring all students have the communication tools needed to succeed in school and social environments.
🧠 What Does an SLP Do?
A Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) works with students to improve communication skills—whether that involves speech clarity, language understanding, social interaction, or the use of alternative communication strategies.
SLP support may include:
- Speech sound production (articulation / phonology)
- Language skills (expressive and receptive)
- Social communication (pragmatic skills)
- Fluency and voice work
- Use of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) tools, such as picture boards (e.g., PECS) or speech-generating devices
🔁 Aligned with MTSS
Riley’s work is integrated within Beattie’s MTSS framework, addressing needs at multiple levels:
Tier 1 – Universal Support
- Collaborates with classroom teachers to recommend strategies like visual cues or scaffolded instruction to support all students’ language and reading comprehension.
Tier 2 – Targeted Small Groups
- Leads small-group sessions for students showing early difficulty with language, social communication, or speech clarity.
Tier 3 – Intensive Individual Support
- Provides one-on-one intervention for students with an Individualized Education Plan (IEP), using data-driven goals within their plans.
- Introduces and trains students on AAC tools—ranging from low-tech picture systems to high-tech devices—so they can fully participate in class and peer conversations.
🎯 Goals & Impact
- Empower students to express their ideas clearly and confidently.
- Provide structured supports that help students interact effectively in their everyday lives.
- Enhance academic performance, social engagement, and self-advocacy through improved communication.
📦 What SLP Sessions May Look Like
- Assessment & Planning
- Riley conducts language or speech evaluations to develop IEP goals or supports.
- Individualized & Group Intervention
- Sessions may include games, role plays, AAC device training, fluency practice, or conversation coaching.
- Classroom Collaboration
- Riley models strategies for teachers or consults on communication supports within lessons.
- Monitoring Progress
- Regularly tracks student growth through data, adjusting methods as needed.
✨ Why Speech Matters
Communication is at the heart of learning and relationships. When students can share their ideas, understand others, and navigate social situations with ease, they’re able to fully participate, succeed, and connect.
📞 Connect with Our SLP
Riley Simonton, M.S., CCC-SLP
Speech-Language Pathologist
📧 Available via the school office to arrange screenings, services, or family conversations.