Who is responsible for assessing the performance, strengths, and weaknesses of an assistant?

The supervising Speech-Language Pathologist is responsible for assessing the performance, strengths, and weaknesses of an assistant because they hold the clinical expertise and supervisory role that encompasses defining job expectations, providing feedback, and ensuring that the assistant's work aligns with professional standards and patient care goals. The supervising SLP is uniquely positioned to evaluate the effectiveness of the assistant in carrying out therapeutic tasks and supporting treatment plans, and they are accountable for the overall performance of the speech-language services provided.

Others in the options, such as patients, peer assistants, and school administration, do not have the specific clinical training or the supervisory authority to formally assess an assistant’s performance in the way that a supervising SLP does. While patients may provide feedback on their care experience, and peer assistants might offer informal observations, it is the supervising Speech-Language Pathologist who must conduct structured evaluations to foster professional growth and uphold the quality of speech-language services.