A project was designed to provide therapy for disadvantaged children in New York City nonpublic schools who have the additional handicap of defective speech. Effectiveness of speech teachers in providing therapy services was evaluated. The measurements of effectiveness were determined from the following: trained speech pathologists' observation of the speech teachers and completion of an evaluative form, teachers' responses to a questionnaire assessing the therapy program, and an interview with the program administrators. A total of five trained speech pathologists visited 15 schools and interviewed 13 speech teachers; 30 of the 38 teachers completed the questionnaires. Recommendations included speech teachers' screening of all children in grades 3 to 7 using a clinical rating scale; administration of diagnostic tests to children being considered for therapy; definite referral procedures with coordination and followup; greater flexibility in therapy methods, particularly for older children; the establishment of regional supervisory centers; improvement and expansion of speech teachers' contacts with parents of children in therapy and with other school personnel; and continuation of the orientation program. (GD)