The Role of SLPs in 5th-Year Transition Programming

In this episode of SLP Coffee Talk, Hallie's back with returning guest Shelby Davis, a school-based SLP at Community High School in Teaneck, NJ, and a doctoral candidate at Monmouth University. Shelby's diving into the 5th-year transition program she's helping build for students on the spectrum and others with complex learning needs — designed to bridge the gap between high school and real independence. From vocational skill-building to community partnerships, Shelby walks through how the program came together, what SLPs can offer beyond the classroom, and how any SLP can bring these strategies into their own practice, transition program or not.

Bullet Points to Discuss: 

• Why four years isn't always enough — and what a 5th-year transition program looks like in practice 
• Moving beyond classroom goals to communication students actually need at work, in the community, and at home 
• The skill areas worth targeting: self-advocacy, executive functioning, vocational communication, problem-solving 
• Real-world practice — job shadowing, budgeting trips, even a visit to the post office 
• Why repetition and hands-on practice outside the classroom matters most for autistic and other diverse learners 
• Getting SLPs, OTs, teachers, counselors, and families all working from the same playbook 
• The resources behind the program — Speech Time Fun, a monthly themed curriculum, and the NYT Learning Network

Here’s what we learned: 

• There's almost no existing research on 5th-year transition programs — which is part of why Shelby's building her doctoral work around it 
• Real-world self-advocacy starts small: affirmation flashcards students can lean on when asking for help at a register or counter 
• Admin buy-in came down to a clear proposal — mock curriculum, funding, staff certifications, not just an idea 
• Parents said yes faster than expected — once they saw the goal was independence, not delay 
• Bottom line for older students: treat them like people, not projects — connect to their interests first

Learn more about Shelby Davis: 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shelbyadavis/ 

Learn more about Hallie Sherman and SLP Elevate:  

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