The Frenzied SLPS: Data Collection (and a freebie)

Summer vacation is winding down! I refuse to even consider that summer is over, because it isn't! Technically, of course, summer isn't over until September 21st and I'm holding on tightly! However, it does appear that my restful vacation is coming to a close and I have to return to work on Tuesday. I am mindful of how fortunate I am to have this time of rest and recuperation, but I will miss it nonetheless.

As our minds shift from relaxation to school speech language therapy the Frenzied SLPs decided to share data collection techniques and freebies. My data collection is cut and dry: no bells and whistles, no clip art, data,  just data. I also prefer paper. Some tricks old dogs just can't learn. :)

When progress report time comes I simply collect the percentages corresponding to the trimester I'm reporting, find the median score, and report the data. I use a median score rather that an average in order to eliminate the outliers. To find the median score arrange the data in order from least to greatest. The number that is halfway into the set is the median. If there is an even number in the set, take the two middlemost numbers and average them for the median score. As I collect the percentages I mark each box with an X or check, color-coding by trimester so I don't report the same data twice! I take data for every session. It's just the way I am. I also write an anecdotal. It makes progress reporting, parent conferences, and staffings so much easier. I only write a line or two. When I print, it's double -sided.

Sample data collection

I have included my preferred form. It is in a PowerPoint platform so it can be edited to your hearts delight! You can grab your data collection freebie here.

Now I'm off to the porch with my coffee and book (Noooooo, I won't go back!).

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