Supervision Caucus
OSLHA 2008 Convention

 

“ Oh, the weather outside is frightful”.  I do not know why the line from that song keeps playing in my head as I think about the 2008 convention.  I would like to take this opportunity to thank the convention program committee, the OSHLA office staff and volunteers under the leadership of Nancy Bailey for the outstanding job they did during the convention.  These individuals truly demonstrated the term “grace under fire’ as they dealt with the changes in the convention schedule, the questions about travel and the other incidentals that always occur during a convention but were intensified because of the weather.  My hat goes off to all of you for a job well done. 

The Supervisory Caucus was well attended in spite of the weather.    The agenda entailed a short self-exploration quiz on supervisory style.   The quiz was developed after I completed the SpeechPathology.com online course by Lisa O’Connor on supervision.  In this course Ms. O’Connor discusses the differences between a Shark supervisor, a Guppy supervisor and a Dolphin supervisor.   The quiz was not an in-depth study of supervisory style but a fun way to think about how we as supervisors may sometimes react to a supervisee or are viewed by a supervisee.  It was suggested that Ms. O’Connor be invited to the 2009 OSHLA Convention to present on supervision. 

The floor was then opened for general comments and concerns.  A question about the development and implementation of student development plans was asked.  The question concerned the issue of how many plans should be developed before a student is counseled out of a program.  The group heard a variety of suggestions and comments from clinical programs from around the state.  While a definitive answer was not developed, it is a topic that will be re-visited. 

Finally, a questionnaire was distributed.  The questionnaire asked if anyone would be interested in writing an article for Communication Matters for the next year.  It also asked if anyone would be interested in becoming a contact person for individuals new to supervision.  I will send the form via the listserv so that those who were unable to attend the caucus can complete the form. 

In conclusion, as the song states, “let it snow…” .  The caucus provided an opportunity for supervisors from around the state to successfully network.  Planning is underway for the 2009 Convention, so if there are any suggestions for speakers or topics concerning supervision please email me.