Retention of school-based SLPs: Relationships among caseload size, workload satisfaction, job satisfaction, and best practice

Nationally, the shortage of speech-language pathologists (SLPs) in the schools is growing. As such, it is important to understand factors related to the retention of SLPs in this setting. This study expanded on previous research by examining a wider range of factors that may be related to the retention of SLPs including caseload size, workload satisfaction, job satisfaction, and time available to conduct best practice. Participants were 75 full-time SLPs working in a school setting in the state of Vermont who completed a survey designed to solicit information concerning the variables of interest. Several dimensions of job satisfaction and best practice predicted retention, caseload, and especially workload. The results also suggested that high workloads complicate the implementation of best practice and have implications for retention. Limitations of the research and implications for practice are discussed.