"Eligible for speech-language services (ESLS)” means a speech and/or language disorder as follows:

1. A speech disorder in articulation, phonology, fluency, voice, or any combination, unrelated to dialect, cultural differences or the influence of a foreign language, which adversely affects a student’s educational performance; and/or

2. A language disorder which meets the criteria of N.J.A.C. 6A:14-3.5(c)4 and the student requires speech-language services only.

The evaluation for a speech disorder shall be conducted according to New Jersey Administrative Code (N.J.A.C.) 6A:14-3.5(g).

Documentation of the education impact of the speech problem shall be provided by the student’s teacher.  The speech disorder must meet the criteria of 1, 2, and/or 3 for eligibility and instruction by a speech-language specialist:

1. Articulation/phonology, the student exhibits one or more sound production error patterns beyond the age at which 90% of the population has achieved mastery according to current developmental norms and misarticulated sounds consistently in a speech sample;

2. Fluency, the student demonstrates at least a mild rating on a formal fluency rating scale and in a speech sample, the student exhibits disfluency in 5% or more of the words spoken;

3. Voice, the student performs below the normal level for voice quality, pitch, resonance, loudness or duration and the condition is evident on two separate occasions, three to four weeks apart, at different times.

School-Based Speech-Language Pathologists, also known as “Speech Language Specialists,” are state-certified professionals dedicated to enhancing the communication abilities of students with complex communication disorders. They work with a broad range of disabilities and educational needs, including the use of augmentative technology. Their roles in the public school system include:

• Direct Service Providers: Offering individualized support, both in and out of the classroom, for students with language, articulation, voice, and fluency disorders.

• Consultants: Collaborating with classroom teachers, paraprofessionals, and parents to ensure the generalization and carryover of targeted communication skills.

• Evaluators: Assessing students with suspected speech and/or language disabilities, and providing comprehensive reports that include insights from teachers on the educational impact of these disabilities in the classroom.

• Child Study Team Members: Participating in the evaluation and planning for all classified students receiving speech/language services, as well as for preschool and school-age children (ages 5-21) referred for suspected language impairments.

• Case Managers: Overseeing the referral process, development, monitoring, and evaluation of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) for students with voice, articulation, or fluency disorders.

To maintain their licensure and stay current with best practices in assessment and intervention, Speech-Language Pathologists are required to complete mandatory continuing education credits.