SCCSHA Fall 2026 Workshop

AM Workshop 1:

Marcella Cardoza McCollum, EdD, CCC-SLP, 8:30-11:45AM

Beyond the Scores: Legal Considerations and Eligibility Determination for Multilingual Learners 

Description: Multilingual learners are far too often evaluated within a system built for monolingual students, then defended with paperwork that names scores rather than valid data. This session works from the regulatory floor, up through the assessment plan, to eligibility, all the while relying on IDEA and California Code of Regulations. Participants will learn to identify evidence that distinguishes language difference from language disorder, document when a standardized measure is invalid for a given student, and write reports that state their reasoning plainly and clearly rather than asserting it in a single template line. 

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this session, participants will be able to:

1. Identify at least three sources of evidence needed to distinguish language difference from language disorder in a given case

2. Identify when standardized measures are invalid for a specific student and document that determination on the assessment plan, consistent with 5 CCR 3030(b)(11)(D)

3. Write a validity statement for an eligibility report that states why a standardized score was or was not used to determine eligibility

Bio: Dr. Marcella Cardoza McCollum (she/her/ella) is a bilingual speech-language pathologist, undergraduate program coordinator, and assistant professor at San José State University. For 20 years, Marcella has focused on equitable services for diverse populations by developing guidelines, providing training at the local, state, national, and international level, and mentoring students and professionals. She works to increase the diversity in graduate school, and ensuring the students at all levels have access to culturally sustaining and strong educational opportunities. She has worked in university clinics, hospitals, public schools, and private practice settings.

PM Workshop 2:

Angie Neal, M.S. CCC-SLP, 12:15-3:30PM

All Things "R"

Description: All things "R" will provide SLPs with a comprehensive understanding of the current evidence related to Speech Sound Disorders with a specific focus on "R" and ways to make therapy for "R" engaging, efficient, and effective.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this session, participants will be able to:

1. Explain the differences in previous and current norms for production of speech sounds.

2. Discuss current research related to speech sound disorders and phonemic awareness.

3. List various approaches and activities SLPs can utilize to remediate "r".

Bio: Angie Neal is the Policy Advisor for Speech-Language Services at the SC State Department of Education. She is also president of the State Education Agency Communication Disability Council (SEACDC) and previous board member with the SC International Dyslexia Association (SC-IDA). Angie has been the recipient of awards for contributions to schools by associations for both school psychology and speech-language pathology in addition to having served as an adjunct professor and publishing a variety of books and journal articles.