Essay Requirements
Word count
A maximum of 2500 words (including tables and a maximum of 30 references), excluding the title and author’s name. Format and style
Submissions must be in a Word document (.doc/.docx). All content including references must follow the American Psychological Association (APA-7th Edition) (2020) style.
A maximum of five levels of heading (preferable 2-3 levels) should be used.
Clear and concise writing is best. Use short sentences and plain English.
It is recommended that all submissions follow the JCPSLP publishing guidelines, which can be found here.
For further style and structure guidance, please read past editions of JCPSLP Ethical Conversation columns and a previous winning student essay published in the Special Ethics Edition July 2023.
Originality
Material submitted must be your original work. Essays may be screened for AI use and will not be accepted if they are found not to be original work. All quotations and material drawn from other sources must be appropriately cited. If copyright clearance is required to use material included in your article, please supply evidence that this has been obtained. Papers already published or being considered for other publications cannot be accepted.
Other considerations
Essays from individual authors only will be accepted. Ensure that your essay adheres to confidentiality and does not include any names or identifiable information. Ensure that you demonstrate familiarity with SPA’s Code of Ethics (2020) and demonstrate how it applies to your content and discussion.
Ensure that you consider cultural responsiveness in your paper, acknowledge cultural and linguistic diversity in the communities we serve and demonstrate respect for people of other cultures and races.
When appropriate you may also want to consider other key SPA documents such as the Professional Standards (2020), Reconciliation Action Plan (2021 - 2023), Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Culturally Responsive Capability Framework (2023), Speech Pathology 2030, and The Speech Pathology Scope of Practice in Australia (2022).