This course provides educators with the foundational knowledge and practical, evidence-based strategies necessary to effectively support students with diverse speech and language communication needs. Participants will learn to identify common disorders, understand their impact, and implement essential accommodations and supports, including basic awareness of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC). The course emphasizes collaborative practices with Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs) and specialists to ensure integrated student success.

This course is appropriate for General Education Teachers, Special Education Teachers and Related Support Staff.

Upon successful completion of this course, participants will be able to:

• Identify and differentiate among common types of speech and language disorders (articulation, fluency, voice, receptive language, expressive language).
• Apply foundational, evidence-based strategies and accommodations within the classroom and school environment to support students' communication needs.
• Describe the purpose and basic functions of various Alternative and Augmentative Communication (AAC) systems and low-tech communication supports.
• Collaborate more effectively with Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs) and other specialists to implement student-specific communication goals and ensure consistent, integrated support across all school settings.
• Identify developmentally appropriate norms for speech and language development and how they impact disability determinations.