ABSTRACT
As speech-language pathologists (SLPs) working with children and youth are challenged
to assume new or expanded roles with reading and writing, those SLPs practicing in
the schools face specific barriers for doing so. These obstacles take two forms: individual
inhibitors, involving specific people, and system inhibitors, involving the organization
at various levels. To overcome these barriers, SLPs need to be proactive and take
charge of their own destinies by engaging in specific actions to assume these new
or expanded literacy roles. They need to make it happen by using specific tools at
their disposal to influence others. These tools include marketing, effective communication,
and negotiation.
KEYWORD
Speech-language pathology in schools - role of the speech-language pathologist - literacy
- reading - and writing - leadership - school reform - systems change