Are you writing following directions goals straight from a CELF subtest score? In this solo episode, Hallie makes the case for asking "why" before you write another three-step directions goal for a middle or high schooler. She explains how to use item analysis to find what's really driving the difficulty, why compensatory strategies often serve older students better than more isolated drill, and how to build self-advocacy into the activities you're already doing. She also shares low-cost, teen-friendly ways to practice when you do need a directions goal.
Bullet Points to Discuss:
-Why a standardized test should give us information, not our therapy curriculum
-Item analysis - looking past the scaled score to find the pattern
-Asking "why" - language, working memory, attention, vocabulary, or the environment?
When more of the same isn't working - the same goal from 3rd grade to 7th grade
Compensatory strategies - teaching what to do when they miss it or can't remember
-Metacognition - recognizing "I didn't understand" is the first step to self-advocacy
-Teacher supports & accommodations - it's an access-to-instruction skill, not just a speech room skill
-Easy, low-cost activities: drawing tutorial videos, a DIY file folder barrier game & Edpuzzle's rewatch button
Here's what we learned:
- A standardized test gives you information, not a therapy curriculum, so use item analysis to find the pattern behind a low score
- The "why" matters: language, working memory, attention, vocabulary, and environment each call for a different goal
- Repeating the same directions goal year after year isn't working, so it's time to change the approach
- For older students, teach compensatory strategies like keywords, chunking, repeating back, and asking for one step at a time
- Recognizing "I missed something" is the first step to self-advocacy
- Following directions is an access-to-instruction skill, so share accommodations with teachers
- Drawing videos, a file folder barrier game, and Edpuzzle's rewatch button make strategy practice low-cost and teen-friendly
Learn more about Hallie Sherman and SLP Elevate:
📝 Website: https://speechtimefun.com/
🎲✨ Check out the Secondary Secret Podcast here! https://www.speechtimefunpd.com/secret-podcast-signup
📘✨ Grab your copy of The Secondary SLP Roadmap here! https://www.speechtimefunpd.com/stf-book
🎤✨ The Speech Retreat is Back! Learn more and register here!
https://www.speechretreat.com
Freebie:
https://www.slpmadness.com/shop/p/freespeechtherapydescribingprobe
https://www.slpmadness.com/iep-goal-bank
Subscribe today and get access to my secret podcast filled with my juicy secrets for planning with ease for secondary speech students. 6 quick episodes that you can quickly listen to and feel refreshed and inspired! https://speechtimefun.com/secondarysecrets
