CELF-5 Results?

Mar 14, 2015 by

CELF-5 Results?

Sorry it’s been so long since you’ve heard from me. I have another project in the works which I am sure most of the school based SLPs will either be thrilled with or at least agree with. With any luck at all I will be able to announce that project before the end of March. So yesterday I received and interesting question about the CELF-5 from Dawn, an SLP in the mid-west. Apparently many of the therapists in her district are finding kids are no longer qualifying on the new CELF-5. She was wondering if anyone else having this same experience? I don’t think I’m seeing this and I’ve given the CELF-5 at least 30 times. However, thinking about it I’m wondering if our “fence kids” are doing a little better than expected. That...

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Thorough and Coordinated Core Evaluations Pay Off...

Feb 22, 2014 by

Thorough and Coordinated Core Evaluations Pay Off

**I learned so much about coordinating evaluations during this time period and I continue to follow the protocols set we set up with every team I work with.  When you are thorough, coordinated and prepared you go to the table with confidence and a plan for the student that actually has a chance of working. Several years ago I started a new job in s school district that was rumored to have some problems in their special education department.  I was able to confirm the rumors almost immediately.  While going through the caseload files I noticed that there were a high number of students who had gone out for their speech and language evaluation.  Comparing dates I noticed that the outside speech and language evaluations were either part of the initial request or requested...

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Evaluations are Key to Improving Special Education Programs...

Oct 1, 2012 by

Evaluations are Key to Improving Special Education Programs

Many years ago I started a new job in s school district that was rumored to have some problems in their special education department. I was able to confirm the rumors almost immediately. While going through the caseload files I noticed that there were a high number of students who had gone out for their speech and language evaluation. Comparing dates I noticed that the outside speech and language evaluations were either part of the initial request or requested after a speech and language was completed through the school. Now we have all had this happen. A parent or the team isn’t happy with our findings. This happens when we find problem and when we actually rule out problems. We’re never going to make everyone happy 100% of the time. However, something was different...

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Survey: Speech and Language Evaluation Process...

Sep 29, 2012 by

Survey: Speech and Language Evaluation Process

During the month of October the bulk of The School Speech Therapists articles are going to focus on the speech and language evaluation process. I know what works for me but there is always room for change and imporvement. I’d love input from other school speech language pathologists. Please take the time to fill out the survey below. Feel free to add any comments or suggestions for articles. Press “next” to proceed to survey. This survey is currently...

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When does a Middle School Child need a Speech and Language Evaluation...

Jan 30, 2012 by

When does a Middle School Child need a Speech and Language Evaluation

By law every child who receives special education services has to have a Core  Evaluation every three years.  Depending on the child’s current needs and services it is not unusual for psychological testing or IQ testing be eliminated from that years test battery.  We don’t always expect big changes with IQ over time.   However, Speech and Language testing should be included in every three year reevaluation where the student currently receives therapy.  During the middle school years the hope is that language will develop in leaps and bounds, even in children with language disabilities,.  Think of how much a child grows and matures during the middle school years.  Changes in a child’s language understanding and usage should be equally as dramatic.  The middle school student should be developing higher order language skills that...

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