Exploring collaborative practices between teachers and speech and language therapists in inclusive education in Chile and the conditions that influence their development

Abstract

This study examined the collaborative practices between teachers and speech and language therapists (SLTs) within an inclusive setting, interviewing 17 professionals’ couples. Three distinct phases of collaboration were identified: planning (e.g. reviewing student performance), co-teaching in the classroom, and evaluation (reflecting upon joint activities). Conditions fostering collaboration were categorized into individual (interpersonal relationships), school-based (directive management) and policy (current regulations) dimensions. Findings suggest that the extent of collaboration varies and is influenced by interconnected conditions. This research enriches the literature by offering a classification of collaborative work between teachers and SLTs and underscores the conditions impacting it, and is invaluable for stakeholders aiming to advance inclusive educational settings.