ERIC Number: EJ1343204
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2022-Apr
Pages: 15
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0161-1461
EISSN: EISSN-1558-9129
Advocacy Engagement and Self-Efficacy of School-Based Speech-Language Pathologists
Language, Speech, and Hearing Services in Schools, v53 n2 p479-493 Apr 2022
Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate advocacy engagement and self-efficacy of school-based speech-language pathologists (SLPs) and their perceptions of key issues in education and challenges to advocacy. Method: A 75-item survey was used to solicit information about advocacy-related experiences of 194 school-based SLPs. The survey included subsections on advocacy engagement, identity, training, and self-efficacy and solicited open-ended responses regarding perceived issues and hindrances. Results: Results demonstrated low percentages of respondents had received training in advocacy (15%) and participated in an event (14%). A high percentage of respondents (45%) reported feeling ill-equipped to advocate but viewed their role as advocates to be important. Overall, respondents self-rated as moderately efficacious advocates. Age and perceived advocacy importance were significant predictors of self-efficacy. Frequently cited issues in education included lack of resources and support for educators and students, teachers' rights, and mental health. Common challenges to advocacy included time constraints, lack of knowledge and support, and fear of retaliation. Conclusions: Based on reported challenges to advocacy, more research is necessary to further investigate the extent these factors influence engagement and self-efficacy. As SLPs in this study viewed their advocacy role to be important but perceived themselves to be unprepared, additional training and professional development opportunities could support the degree to which SLPs engage in advocacy and perceive themselves to be effective advocates.
Descriptors: Allied Health Personnel, Speech Language Pathology, Advocacy, Self Efficacy, Attitudes, Barriers, Professional Identity, Training, Role, Elementary Secondary Education, Individual Characteristics, Student Needs
American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. 2200 Research Blvd #250, Rockville, MD 20850. Tel: 301-296-5700; Fax: 301-296-8580; e-mail: lshss@asha.org; Web site: http://lshss.pubs.asha.org
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Elementary Secondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) (ED/OSERS)
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Florida
Grant or Contract Numbers: H325D190011

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