Are you an SLP doing standardized assessments via telepractice for the first time? Given that these are unprecedented in the time of Coronavirus, many SLPs are completing virtual standardized assessments for the first time. Many of us (myself included) weren’t trained how to complete these assessments virtually, and aren’t even sure if the scores are valid. In this blog post, you’ll learn some dos and don’ts for completing assessments via telepractice, plus a resource to go to to learn more.
1. Do wear a headset for your assessments
Noise canceling will help you stay focused and hear your client better.
2. Don’t include blanket statements in the assessment report
Here is an example of what not to do: “results should be interpreted with caution as testing was completed via telepractice.”
Instead, Here are some statements (from Pearson’s Webinar) you may want to try:
“This assessment was administered via telepractice. The _______ (test name) was used as a normative measure, and initial evidence for equivalence of scores with face-to-face administration has been established by empirical research.”
“_________ (name of test) was administered to assess (articulation/language/x). The following tasks have not yet been validated in empirical research as resulting in scores that are equivalent to a face-to-face administration (list), however these tasks show evidence for empirical equivalence (list).
“The examinee was attentive/distracted throughout the test and responded/did not respond to the examiner’s prompts. Due to the high/low number of modifications/lack of modifications needed and the examinee’s attentiveness and responsiveness, it is my professional opinion that it is appropriate/not appropriate to use normative scores.”
3. Do consider multiple factors before determining if you can/should report norms.
Some are similar considerations as when testing in face-to-face situations (audio video quality, type of response and is there evidence of equivalency for that type of task, how much deviation from standardized procedure, student behavior/attention).
4. Do practice ahead of time
Learning new skills can be intimidating and challenging, so preparing yourself will lower the stress. Remember to be kind to yourself.
For more dos and don'ts of Telepractice Assessments, listen to Episode 75 of the SLP Happy Hour Podcast. You can listen on Apple Podcast or on Stitcher here.
