Using the Oral Language–Literacy Link to Help Struggling Readers: Collaboration Between Reading Specialists and Speech-Language Pathologists

• In Event: 33.079 - Roundtable Session 12
  In Roundtable Session: 33.079-22 - Literacy Research Focused on Oral Language and Motivation

Abstract

Students with oral language deficits struggle with literacy attainment. Reading specialists and speech-language pathologists (SLPs) can collaborate to help these students, but collaboration between these two practitioners does not typically occur. This study employed narrative inquiry to closely examine the collaborations between four pairs of reading specialists and SLPs, to determine factors contributing to development and effectiveness of collaborations. The collaborations varied in depth. The deeper the collaborations were, the more perspectives and roles blended. A variety of internal and external factors facilitated effective collaboration. Among the internal factors were deep mutual respect, open-mindedness, and commitment to students. External factors included student need and collaborative environment. Most of the participants strongly believed that their collaborations benefited students.

Author

• Ivy R Sitkoski, National Louis University