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    “Language shapes the way we think, and determines what we think about. ” 

     

      – BENJAMIN LEE WHORF

     

     

  • ABOUT ME

    EXPERIENCE

    Welcome! My name is Rachel Beckwith, and I am a speech-language pathologist. I currently work with students that are primarily in grades 3-5 in a rural, yet diverse area. I obtained my board certification in childhood language and language disorders, hold a teaching certificate in English as a
    Second Language, and am Science of Reading trained and certified. My professional focus also includes executive functions, culturally and linguistically diverse students, and rural education issues.

     

    Previously, I worked in a small, rural health facility, where I was responsible for providing services in a multitude of settings,
    including outpatient, inpatient/critical care, home health, hospice, preschools, and a public school. This position allowed me to evaluate and treat people of all ages with a variety of diagnoses. I was also responsible for facilitating a support group and providing training to volunteers.

     

    When I’m not working, I enjoy spending time with my three children and cheering them on in their hobbies. My family loudly calls those Razorbacks and enjoys hiking, traveling, and watching movies. I also spend a lot of time gardening and reading.

     

    EDUCATION

    • University of Arkansas, MS, Communication Disorders
    • Northeastern State University, BS, Special Education: Speech-Language Pathology
    • Board-Certified Specialist in Childhood Language and Language Disorders
    • ESL Teaching Certificate (obtained through the Arkansas ESOL Institute)
    • Currently pursusing MEd in Curriculum Instruction and Design with an emphasis in ESL.

    SPECIALTIES

    • Older Language Development
    • Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Students
    • Executive Functions
    • Rural Education and Health Issues
    • Literacy and Written Expression
  • Additional Information and Posts

    Assignments for Learning Technologies (EDUC 5313)

    June 25, 2024
    Included here is a downloadable version of my current resume. You may also find a copy here.  
    While I often approach instruction in a low-tech approach, this post is intended to discuss how...
    Researchers have determined that students who experience higher levels of authentic instruction...
    Educational research is full of studies attempting to detail what students need to learn. ...
    Recently, I was approached to write an article for Dystinct Magazine. You can read my article...
    Artificial Intelligence is being discussed a lot these days. Some bemoan its existence and claim...
    July 23, 2024
    Universal Design for Learning is not a new concept, but I was only vaguely aware of the term...
    In continuing the idea of engaging, enhancing, and extending the curriculum, this lesson plan was...
  • MY SPECIALTIES

    OLDER LANGUAGE DEVELOPMENT

    Often speech and language development focuses on those critical developmental years below the age of 6. However, students over the age of 6 have unique abilities and needs that require someone who understands how to address these skills.

    CULTURALLY AND LINGUISTICALLY DIVERSE STUDENTS

    Providing ethically and high-quality speech and language services requires being culturally relevant and responsive. Culture and its effect on communication must be viewed holistically and under a cummulative lens to ensure students are appropriately identified and receive appropriate services.

    EXECUTIVE FUNCTIONS

    Executive Function skills are an integral part of academic learning and especially important when working with students who may also have language disorders. Executive function skills include working memory, organization, task initiation, time managment, flexible thinking, goal setting, prioritization, and metacognition. Professionals should consider a student's strengths and weaknesses in these areas when assessing and treating older students.

    RURAL EDUCATION AND HEALTH ISSUES

    Practicing (and growing up) in a rural area provides a unique set of opportunites and challenges. These issues may affect service delivery options and may require a certain amount of flexibility and enhanced problem-solving skills.

    LITERACY AND WRITTEN EXPRESSION

    Literacy has been described as a human right. Working with older students who may have literacy concerns requires a different set of skills at times in order to meet the students' needs. Written expression may especially be affected by weaknesses in executive functioning and should be addressed accordingly.

  • CONTACT ME