Today's Graduate Students, Tomorrow's SLPs: Enhancing School Practicum Experiences

Abstract

Purpose In this article, we describe a standards-driven, workforce-focused model of school practicum offered by an accredited graduate speech-language pathology program. Method To prepare more than 50% of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association's membership for the school-based workforce, graduate students require real-life practicum experiences in the schools. Practicum experiences should be standards driven, anchored in the graduate curriculum, and paired with academic coursework to foster the growth of student clinicians' background knowledge prior to engagement in a school-based practicum. Results We outline the main content areas and minimum practice experiences that should be incorporated in a school-based practicum and provide suggestions for balancing the requirements across the graduate curriculum. Collaboration with school systems is essential for locating and maintaining high-quality placements. Conclusion School practicum experiences provide an important foundation for future school speech-language pathologists to enter the workforce with adequate preparation.