Assessment Information

The Department of Communication Disorders prepares candidates for the entry-level requirement for the profession of speech-language pathology (Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology) as outlined in the Council for Clinical Certification in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). The graduate program is accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CAA).

The Department developed a strategic plan as a part of meeting the new accreditation standards set by the CAA. The strategic plan and the document that shows how the strategic plan for the Department helps to support the strategic plan and other initiatives of the University are posted below.

• Departmental Strategic Plan
• How the Departmental Strategic Plan Meets the Goals of the University

All graduates must meet the ASHA academic and clinical education requirements for the Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology (CCC-SLP) and the program must meet the standards set by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CAA).

• This council derives its authority and membership from ASHA but functions in a autonomous role in the accomplishment of its mission and goals.
• The Council for Higher Education Accreditation and the U.S. Department of Education recognizes CAA as the accrediting agency for graduate education programs that prepare professionals for entry-level knowledge and skills in the areas of audiology and/or speech-language pathology.

The master-level graduates also meet the professional licensure requirements for the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE). Graduate students who plan on working in states other than Kansas are encouraged to review the requirements of the states where they want to work so that their program may be planned to include any additional requirements

Both formative and summative assessments are used to ensure that the student learning outcomes are met.

• Formative assessment
• Summative assessment.
• Supplemental assessments.

The student in speech-language pathology must demonstrate knowledge and skills in the following areas and the knowledge and skills are traced through the Student Assessment Management System (SAMS) , which is a web-based tool that allows programs to monitor formative assessments.

• basic science: biological science, physical science, mathematics, and social/behavioral sciences
• basic human communication and swallowing processes
• knowledge of the nature of speech, language, hearing, communication disorders and differences
• knowledge of principles and methods of prevention, assessment, intervention for individuals with communication and swallowing disorders
• knowledge of standards of ethical conduct
• knowledge of principles used in research and integration of principles into evidence-based clinical practice
• knowledge of professional issues and professional credentials
• skills in oral and written language for entry into the profession
• clinical skills in observation and direct clinical experience with individuals who present communication and swallowing disorders