The Criteria for Dismissal from Speech or Language Therapy Services address those circumstances which result in the termination of speech/language services, either permanently or for some specified time period, provided to a student by the speech-language pathologist. Many speech-language pathologists subscribe to the Code of Ethics of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. Two “Rules of Ethics” that should be taken into account when contemplating the initiation or continuation of interventions include:

It is important for the speech-language pathologist to use sound professional judgment and competency in recommending that services are no longer warranted. In some instances, intervention can be redirected through a resource room, a self-contained classroom, community-based instruction or the regular classroom to enhance overall communicative effectiveness and maintenance of acquired skills. The IEP Team may also make provisions to monitor progress of a student dismissed from speech/language therapy services.

Prior to recommending dismissal from speech/language services, the IEP Team should review the Factors to Consider in Dismissal. Justification for dismissal from speech/language services should be determined using the Criteria for Dismissal from Speech or Language Therapy Services and documented in narrative form on the conference decision form used for dismissal purposes. When dismissal is based on more than one criterion, all applicable criteria should be noted on the decision form.

Even if speech/language therapy services are discontinued, a student can be rereferred at a later date until he/she has successfully completed an educational program or he/she reaches age twenty-one (21). If a student is re-referred, the referral committee should compare the reason(s) for referral with information on the previous termination of speech/language therapy services provided to the student. The referral committee must then determine on an individual student basis the appropriate course of action to be taken. This may result in reevaluation of the student, a reinstatement of speech/language therapy services or a decision that no further consideration for speech/language therapy services is necessary.