Data collection for SLP/SLPA teams (Schultz et al., 2022)

Purpose: This tutorial outlines an approach for best practices for speech-language pathology assistants (SLPAs) to collect data and document services. The tutorial outlines methods for developing accurate and effective data collection skills and provides instructions and tools for collecting various types of data. The authors discuss the importance of data collection as it relates to the roles and responsibilities of speech-language pathologists (SLPs) and SLPAs. The process of planning for data collection, recording the data, and reporting data to the supervising SLP is outlined.

Conclusion: Developing competence with a wide variety of data collection methods, data types, and documentation tools will assist SLPAs to accurately communicate the results of the services they provide, therefore enhancing the SLP’s ability to make well-informed clinical decisions for the student.

Supplemental Material S1. SLPA data collection form. 

Supplemental Material S2. Language-speech therapy data sheets.

Supplemental Material S3. Sample goal components.

Supplemental Material S4. Goal-based data collection worksheet.

Supplemental Material S5. Formulas for common speech-language measures. 

Supplemental Material S6. Clinical terminology glossary.

Supplemental Material S7. Language sample worksheet. 

Schultz, J., Powell, R., & Ross, K. D. (2022). Tutorial: Data collection and documentation strategies for speech-language pathologist/speech-language pathology assistant teams. Language, Speech, and Hearing Services in Schools. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1044/2022_LSHSS-21-00151