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Speech Language Pathology

Speech-Language Pathology

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Welcome to the Region 14 Education Service Center website for Speech-Language Pathology. You will find links to resources and information regarding school-based speech therapy.

Region 14 ESC strives to maintain a high-level program of staff development and technical assistance that assists our Speech-Language Pathologists in the diagnosis and treatment of speech and language impairments. Our trainings and technical assistance are based on current research, within the framework of federal and state regulations. 

Contact Information

If you have any questions, please contact:

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Amber Davies, M.S., CCC-SLP
Speech-Language Pathology Consultant
adavies@esc14.net
325-675-8636

Join ESC 14 Speech-Language Pathologist Group

Scope of Practice

Speech Language Pathologists in the public schools serve students with speech and/or language impairments.  A speech or language impairment is defined as “a communication disorder, such as stuttering, impaired articulation, a language impairment, or a voice impairment, that adversely affects a child’s educational performance” (C.F.R. §300.8.).  Speech and language disorders can also result from a variety of other impairments, including cerebral palsy, cleft palate, hearing loss, autism, learning disabilities, and traumatic brain injuries. 

Speech Language Pathologists in the public schools must have a master’s degree, have passed a national certification examination, and have completed a year of clinical fellowship. Further, they must be licensed by the state of Texas. For more information, see the Texas State Board of Examiners for Speech Language Pathology and Audiology, http://www.dshs.state.tx.us/speech/sp_rules.shtm

Speech Language Pathology Assistants must have a bachelor’s degree, have completed 25 hours of observation, and must be licensed by the state of Texas. Their practice must be supervised by a licensed, certified Speech Language Pathologist. For more information, see the State Board of Examiners for Speech Language Pathology and Audiology, http://www.dshs.state.tx.us/speech/sp_ppsuper.shtm

The Speech Language Pathologist in the public schools may provide many roles for students with speech and language impairments, including evaluation, IEP development, and intervention. They also may provide screening and prevention services, collaboration with other instructional personnel, and training and professional development. Speech Language Pathologists may serve students in a variety of ways, including individual, small group, classroom-based, or consultation.

ASHA's Scope of Practice in Speech-Language Pathology

TWU Master's Program

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Speech-Language Pathology Master’s (SLP) Degree Program Statewide Distance Venue

Cycle 13 of the SLP Master’s Degree Distance Venue is currently under way. Cycle 13 cohort runs from June 2025 through August 2027.  

If you are interested in Cycle 14 of the SLP Master’s Degree Distance Venue, please register for one Cycle 14 Information Meeting. 

Attendance of one full Information Meeting is a mandatory part of the application process. You will not be considered for acceptance into the SLP Master’s Degree Distance Venue unless you have attended one full Information Meeting.

If accepted into the Cycle 14 SLP Master’s Degree Distance Venue, classes will begin in Summer 2027.

All Cycle 14 Information Meetings will begin at 4:30 pm Central Time via Zoom.

Register by clicking one of the links below:

 

Participants interested in Cycle 14 that do not have an undergraduate degree in speech-language pathology, will need to complete Leveling coursework. Leveling coursework will be discussed during the Information Meeting. You may find additional information here: Leveling Coursework

NOTE: if you choose to attend an Information Meeting after February 2026, you may not have enough time to complete all Leveling course work required to begin the Cycle 14 cohort.

We look forward to seeing you at the Cycle 14 Meetings, future SLPs of Texas!

 

Overview

To address the shortage of master’s level speech-language pathology (SLPs) in Texas schools, a partnership was formed with Texas Education Service Centers, Texas Woman’s University (TWU), Texas Education Agency (TEA), and local educational entities to provide a master’s degree program for both in-field and out-of-field students.  The program utilizes videoconferencing, web-based instruction, and clinical experiences on school campuses, hospitals, nursing homes, clinics, and rehabilitation centers.  Successful program completion prepares graduates to apply for Texas licensure in speech pathology and American Speech-Language Hearing Association (ASHA) certification. The master of science education program in Speech-Language Pathology at Texas Woman’s University is accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-language Pathology (CAA) of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA).  The Region 10 Education Service Center (ESC) provides statewide coordination of the program and, along with other participating ESCs, assists students by providing classroom sites and classroom coordinators.

While applicants accepted into this program will be fully prepared to serve in any professional setting, this program is intended to help ameliorate the shortage of licensed, certified SLPs in Texas public schools and is open only to those committed to employment with a public school district or charter school.

The SLP Distance Learning Venue is designed to allow students to work in the schools as licensed assistants while completing the requirements for the master’s degree in speech-language pathology. Each student must secure sponsorship from an educational entity (e.g., school district or charter school) and maintain it throughout the master’s program.  Students must attend classes in a participating ESC.

The program also provides the opportunity to complete Post-Baccalaureate Certificates in Bilingual SLP or Deaf and Hard of Hearing for the SLP. Students interested in pursuing these certificates will take additional coursework and complete practicum hours focused in the specific certificate areas while in the program.

For more information on the Certificates click on the links below:

Contact Amber Davies (adavies@esc14.net or 325-675-8636) for more information about the SLP Master's Degree Program

 

 

Cycle 14 Information

 

Cycle 13 of the SLP Master’s Degree Distance Venue is currently under way. Cycle 13 cohort runs from June 2025 through August 2027.  

If you are interested in Cycle 14 of the SLP Master’s Degree Distance Venue, please register for one Cycle 14 Information Meeting. 

Attendance of one full Information Meeting is a mandatory part of the application process. You will not be considered for acceptance into the SLP Master’s Degree Distance Venue unless you have attended one full Information Meeting.

If accepted into the Cycle 14 SLP Master’s Degree Distance Venue, classes will begin in Summer 2027.

All Cycle 14 Information Meetings will begin at 4:30 pm Central Time via Zoom.

Register by clicking one of the links below:

 

Participants interested in Cycle 14 that do not have an undergraduate degree in speech-language pathology, will need to complete Leveling coursework. Leveling coursework will be discussed during the Information Meeting. You may find additional information here: Leveling Coursework

NOTE: if you choose to attend an Information Meeting after February 2026, you may not have enough time to complete all Leveling course work required to begin the Cycle 14 cohort.

We look forward to seeing you at the Cycle 14 Meetings, future SLPs of Texas!

TSHA School-based SLP information

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Joint TSHA/TCASE Committee Resources

In an effort to address the critical shortage of speech-language pathologists in the public schools, TSHA initiated the formation of a joint committee with the Texas Council of Administrators of Special Education (TCASE) in 2004. This committee has developed an action plan consisting of short/mid/long term goals to address the multiple factors affecting the shortage issue. 

Texas Speech-Language Hearing Association

SLP-Assistant Resources

Public School Resources

 

Instructions for requesting continuing education credit are included at the end of each module. Continuing education credit is free for current TSHA members, and is $20.00 for non-members.

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