Introduces six articles which address treatment outcomes and efficacy in audiology and speech-language pathology in the schools. Stresses the importance of practitioners participating in studies of treatment outcomes and efficacy to demonstrate that their evaluations and treatments make a significant difference to individuals served. (DB)

Examines issues related to designing and conducting randomized studies of speech/language treatment effects (clinical trials) in the public school setting and provides suggestions regarding how such studies can be effectively organized and implemented in schools by clinicians. The work of the Communication Sciences and Disorders Research Group in…

Emphasizes the importance of collecting data on the prevalence of specific communication disorders in children and data on both the short-term and long-term impact of speech/language interventions in the schools. (Author/DB)

This article on speech-language therapy argues that new emphases on the client's life participation, involvement in clinical decision making, and cultural sensitivity should be seen as additions rather than alternatives to therapeutic impairment-oriented approaches. It proposes that the client's progression toward life goals be the standard used…

Urges audiologists and speech-language pathologists working in school settings to become involved in studies of treatment outcomes and clinical trials. (DB)

This epilogue discusses potentials in future clinical decision-making using the emerging functional neuroimaging technology, including identification of the mechanisms underlying cognitive functions and prediction of spared/impaired cognitive functions, those related to recovery of function and prediction of treatment candidacy; and those related…

Stresses the need for outcome data on speech/language intervention in the schools and identifies obstacles and advantages to collecting outcome data in the school setting. Problems and solutions particular to the educational setting in the conduct of outcome studies are described. (DB)

This commentary reviews the articles in this special issue focusing on treatment of preschool and school-aged students with fluency disorders. The commentary addresses therapy and counseling models, the importance of attending to attitudes among children and parents, service delivery models for school programs, transfer of training, and recent…