Central School

                                                                          

                                                                          November

Frequently asked question:

What is the difference between private speech/language services and school-based speech/language services?

Answer:  There are two different speech models that are used.  One is called the "medical model," and it is used in hospitals, speech/language clinics, and by private speech/language pathologists.  This philosophy focuses on "fixing" or "curing" a child's problem.  Services are based on a medical diagnosis of a disability. 

In schools, we look at correcting the speech/language problem so that it no longer interferes with a child's education.  This is called the "educational model."  The goal of speech/language services in the schools is to clear the way for a child to access the educational program. Services are based on indications that a student's disability is having an impact on his/her education.