After a brief summer recess, (definitely feels too brief!), the New Jersey Legislature is back in session and holding committee hearings. This week, NJPSA testified before the Assembly Regulated Professions Committee on A-4954, legislation that would modify several provisions of State law governing speech-language services in New Jersey schools.
A-4954 would make several changes affecting speech-language specialists and the special education process, including requiring a speech-language specialist to be included on the basic child study team for certain students, requiring child study team consultation in the classification of students with communication impairments, and limiting when districts may contract with private agencies or clinics to provide speech-language services.
NJPSA Government Relations Assistant Director Jennie Lamon testified that while the Association is generally supportive of the bill’s goal, several provisions warrant further examination to ensure they do not create unintended consequences for students, families, and school districts.
Among the concerns raised by NJPSA are the need to clearly distinguish between Department of Education-credentialed speech-language specialists and professionally licensed speech-language pathologists, as well as the potential for the legislation to result in redundant evaluations or additional child study team involvement when it may not be educationally necessary. Such requirements could potentially increase costs, strain limited school resources, and delay services without necessarily changing a student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP).
NJPSA also emphasized that A-4954 directly intersects with special education policy and school-level implementation. Because the legislation was considered by the Assembly Regulated Professions Committee during the opening days of the new school year, NJPSA has not yet had sufficient opportunity to gather comprehensive feedback from administrators and practitioners in the field. NJPSA therefore requested that, if the bill advances, it also be considered by the Assembly Education Committee so that its potential impact on special education programs, child study teams, students, and families can be more fully examined through an education lens.
We want to hear from you! NJPSA members with experience or expertise involving speech-language services, child study teams, special education evaluations, or the use of contracted speech-language providers are encouraged to share their perspective. Your practical experience can help us identify potential impacts or unintended consequences and inform NJPSA’s advocacy as the legislation moves forward.
Please contact the NJPSA Government Relations Department to share your feedback.