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"Where do you start? What do you do?": Australian speech-language pathologists' preservice training in literacy
Caitlin Stephenson1, Tanya Anne Serry1, Pamela C Snow2
1School of Education, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia.
International Journal of Speech-Language Pathology
|October 3, 2025
Summary
Speech-language pathologists and academics highlighted gaps in preservice training for literacy support in school-aged children. Enhanced training is crucial for new graduates to effectively manage complex literacy challenges.
Area of Science:
- Speech-language pathology
- Education
- Literacy development
Background:
- School-aged children frequently experience reading and writing difficulties.
- Effective intervention requires specialized training for speech-language pathologists.
- Current preservice training may not adequately prepare clinicians for literacy support.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore speech-language pathologists' (SLPs) and university academics' views on preservice training for pediatric literacy.
- To identify strengths, limitations, and gaps in current training programs.
- To gather recommendations for improving SLP preparation in literacy.
Main Methods:
- Qualitative study involving semi-structured interviews with 16 SLPs across Australia.
- Survey of 8 university academics from five Australian states.
- Inductive content analysis of collected data.
Main Results:
- SLPs reported concerns regarding insufficient theoretical knowledge and practical experience in preservice literacy training.
- Academics' insights corroborated practitioner concerns, amplifying perceived training deficiencies.
- Both groups identified a need for improved theoretical, socio-political, and consultancy training.
Conclusions:
- Current preservice training inadequately prepares new speech-language pathologists for pediatric literacy work.
- Graduates may lack essential knowledge and skills to address complex literacy needs.
- Recommendations focus on enhancing theoretical content, practical opportunities, and consultancy skills in training programs.
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