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TUSD specialists say unmanageable caseloads, poor onboarding and low pay are driving departures
Summary
More than a dozen speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists and physical therapists told the governing board during public comment that shortages, excessive caseloads and inadequate onboarding are reducing service quality for students with disabilities.
Dozens of Tucson Unified School District staff, parents and advocates urged the school board Jan. 20 to address long-standing shortages among speech-language pathologists (SLPs), occupational therapists (OTs) and physical therapists (PTs), saying unmanageable caseloads, inconsistent onboarding and noncompetitive pay are harming students.
Multiple staff members who identified themselves as district SLPs, OTs and PTs described workloads that they said exceed professional and federally recommended levels. Speakers said high caseloads, travel between many schools, heavy paperwork and frequent vacancies force therapists to prioritize compliance…
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