As SLPs, we are continually looking for the most efficient and effective speech therapy data collection methods. Here are some of our favorites – from tried-and-true traditional methods to innovative digital options for data collection. 

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  <div>
    As speech-language pathologists, we are continually looking for the most
    efficient and effective speech therapy data collection methods. With
    hundreds, if not thousands, of data collection methods available, it can be
    overwhelming to find the best method to effectively record and measure
    progress on goals. Here are some of our favorites &ndash; from
    tried-and-true traditional methods to innovative digital options for speech
    therapy data collection.
  </div>

  <h2>Tally Marks</h2>

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    Many speech therapists use tally marks to record data. They use symbols or
    letters to indicate whether they gave the child verbal, visual, or tactile
    prompts and plusses and minuses to show whether the child achieved the
    intended goal. This method can be useful when collecting speech data on the
    fly, as you can quickly grab a post-it, piece of paper, or even a piece of
    masking tape to record data; however, it does present some drawbacks. First,
    the tally paper can easily be misplaced. Additionally, if a symbol key is
    not readily available, others working with the children on your caseload may
    not be able to interpret your data.
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  <h2>Clickers</h2>

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    Some therapists use a clicker to indicate success. This method is good for
    articulation drills; however, it is only effective when marking for
    independence. Indicating prompts can be challenging when using a clicker.
  </div>

  <h2>Speech Therapy Data Sheets</h2>

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    A favorite of speech therapists is a premade data sheet with goals and tally
    boxes. Although creating the premade datasheet does take some front-end
    work, having it will make life much easier because you&rsquo;ll be prepared
    when it is time to work with the child. Premade data collection sheets with
    trials of 10 make it simple to quantify percentage or number of trials.
    There are, however, times when 10 trials are not possible.
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    There are several ways to quantify your totals, from basic math to using a
    calculator, and there are even charts available. This
    <a
      href="http://speechymusings.com/2016/08/21/speech-language-therapy-data-collection-cheat-sheet/"
      >Speechy Musings Data Collection Cheat Sheet</a
    >
    is free with a newsletter subscription.
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  <h2>Articulation &ndash; Chart from 1-100</h2>

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    Most speech therapists use multiple drills when implementing articulation
    therapy. One option for keeping data for specific articulation goals is to
    make a simple chart with 100 boxes. You can also make labels with the
    child&rsquo;s name and goals in advance and stick it right on the data
    sheet.
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  <h2>Digital Methods for Speech Therapy Data Collection</h2>

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    Some therapists like to streamline data collection with digital options.
    Here are a few of our favorite digital data collection methods:
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    <a href="https://swivelscheduler.com/">Swivel Scheduler</a> &ndash; Swivel
    Scheduler is a web-based, HIPAA-compliant application that allows you to
    collect data digitally. It also does the math for you and gives you an
    overall average so you can keep up with the child&rsquo;s present
    performance. It has a graphing feature so you can visualize progress.
    Finally, it has the option of printing datasheets for the children on your
    caseload.
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    <a href="https://slpnow.com/">SLP Now</a> &ndash; Another option for
    digitally managing your data is SLP Now. It allows you to import your
    caseload, set up a schedule, and enter your data. You can generate graphs of
    progress, and it keeps track of all digital communication regarding the
    children on your caseload.
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    <a href="https://www.slptoolkit.com/blog/data-collection-in-speech-therapy/"
      >SLP ToolKit</a
    >
    &ndash; SLP ToolKit is not only excellent for scheduling, but it is also a
    user-friendly option for digital data collection. You can create graphs to
    show visual representations of progress to parents and teachers during IEPs.
    SLP ToolKit allows you to pull up previous sessions to review progress, set
    goals for the current session, and note cues and strategies used in prior
    sessions.
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  <h2>How to Decide Which Speech Therapy Data Collection Method to Use</h2>

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    As you research what method works best for you and the kids you serve, ask
    yourself:
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  <ul>
    <li>
      How will I measure this child&rsquo;s progress? Percentages? Trials?
    </li>
    <li>
      What is the most efficient and effective way for me to record the data?
    </li>
    <li>How easy will it be for me to implement this system?</li>
    <li>Will this method add to my workload or help me streamline?</li>
    <li>Are the goals concrete and measurable?</li>
    <li>
      How often will I collect data for this child? Each session? Biweekly?
      Monthly?
    </li>
  </ul>

  <div>
    As a speech-language pathologist, you&rsquo;re the ultimate multi-tasker.
    Not only are you charged with managing behaviors, but you must also
    effectively target goals while keeping the child engaged in a task. On top
    of juggling all these components, you also have to be an effective data
    collector. It&rsquo;s a lot to handle, but you&rsquo;re skilled and
    well-trained for the task. With a data collection plan in place,
    you&rsquo;ll be prepared to record and demonstrate your kids&rsquo; progress
    and help them achieve their goals.
  </div>
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Speech Therapy Data Collection Methods