Educational policy and time assignment for speech therapy practice from the experience of speech therapists with over 20 years’ professional practice in educational contexts

Abstract

Speech therapists’ work in educational contexts is essential for students presenting special educational needs. However, little is known about the influence of the amount of time granted by educational policy in speech therapists’ professional practice. The present study did the first analysis in Chile of the experience of speech therapists with over 20 years of professional experience regarding the amount of time defined in public policy for speech therapists’ practice carried out in educational environments. A qualitative study with a constructionist-narrative focus was done. Five semi-structured interviews were carried out with speech therapists who had over 20 years’ professional educational experience via an inductive-type content analysis. Results showed that speech therapists’ practice presents challenges arising from administrative, organizational and practical aspects emerging from a public policy which does not clearly define time assignment and its distribution in the functions pertaining to speech therapists’ educational role. The contribution of this pioneering research on the subject is that the speech therapists interviewed suggest changes to the policy implemented on the basis of the adjustments they have made in their professional practices after 20 years of work experience. It is necessary to continue research on the exercise of the role of speech therapists in educational contexts in order to improve professional practice and contribute to the educational policy implemented.