Using Standardized Tests as a Starting Point for Functional and Impactful SLP Goals

Hallie discusses using standardized tests as a starting point to create functional and impactful speech and language goals for your students.

Grab your coffee and settle in, SLPs! In this episode of SLP Coffee Talk, we’re diving into why standardized tests are just the starting point—not the whole solution—for crafting meaningful, functional, and academically relevant goals for your older speech students. We’ll talk about avoiding common pitfalls, incorporating informal assessments, and getting real-world insights from teachers. By the end, you’ll have practical strategies to take your evaluations to the next level and set your students up for success. Let’s make this school year the one where you leave work on time and feel confident in every session!

Bullet Points to Discuss:

•  Common mistakes SLPs make with standardized test results
• Balancing standardized tests with informal measures
• Collaborating with teachers to target impactful goals
• Making goals measurable, specific, and functional
• Standardized tests: One piece of the evaluation puzzle

Here’s what we learned:

• Common mistakes SLPs make when using standardized test results 
• Practical tips for balancing standardized testing with informal measures
• How to collaborate with teachers to prioritize the most impactful intervention goals.
• Making goals measurable, specific, and functional is key to student success.
• Why standardized tests are just one piece of the evaluation puzzle.

Standardized tests are just one piece of the puzzle! 

Get a clearer picture of your students' needs with powerful tools designed for SLPs:

✅ Baseline Tool – Establish a strong starting point: speechtimefun.com/baseline

✅ Critical Thinking Probes – Dig deeper into student skills: speechtimefun.com/criticalthinkingprobes

Both are available inside SLP Elevate, giving you the insights you need beyond the subtests to make a real impact. 💡✨

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

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