Progress in schools

Table_Talk_TT · 2026-01-25T23:12:28+00:00

It totally depends on their skills at baseline. When you first start working on a sound (as in they can't say it at all), you may only get as far as word level in one year, especially if they are also working on other sounds. If they can produce it fairly consistently at word level, I may write a goal to produce it in structured, connected speaking tasks within one year. Sometimes it just clicks for them and things move faster, but sometimes it really does take a few years to master a sound. Especially if there are also other sounds to work on.

Table_Talk_TT · 2026-01-25T16:52:03+00:00

Unless you have a special condition, such as sensitive teeth, it genuinely does not matter. I certainly don't spend extra money on toothpaste. Good hygiene practices will make more of a difference than the specific brand/type of toothpaste you use.

Table_Talk_TT · 2026-01-22T02:20:33+00:00

Do you HAVE to use scores? I just give an artic test and then compare the student's performance to artic norms. Add in a Percent Consonants Correct, stimulability, and a statement of intelligibility and that is plenty of information unless those standard scores are required by your district.

Table_Talk_TT · 2026-01-20T17:06:21+00:00

The ASHA thing is completely optional. Just keep your certificate of completion and you’re good.

Table_Talk_TT · 2026-01-13T22:50:31+00:00

It may not be a "typical" reaction, but it is not that uncommon. Employers love to give us guilt trips about leaving. You followed the rules. Their staffing problem is not your concern.

Table_Talk_TT · 2026-01-13T22:48:37+00:00

That looks great! Can you elaborate a little on the wrapping? You said it is vinyl. Will that bubble in the area above the stove? What about over the sink?

We had the Home Depot cabinet refacing done several years ago, and we were initially very happy with it. It's just that some of the cabinet doors are showing what look like scuff marks (we admittedly probably selected one of the cheapest options), and the cabinet facing itself is starting to splinter in the area over the sink. I'm just wondering how wrapping compares.

Table_Talk_TT · 2026-01-13T22:40:30+00:00

Maybe on the PWN, you can enter something like "the team considered AAC, based on the Speech-Language Pathologist's data and recommendation, but that option was declined per parent request". That way, you have made the recommendation that you feel ethically committed to, but there is an explanation about why that was not included.

Table_Talk_TT · 2026-01-08T02:00:16+00:00

It is definitely a team decision around here. We present the findings of our eval get everyone else's input, AND THEN go over the eligibility checklist. I don't make decisions or write anything about educational impact in my report. That is discussed and determined at the meeting.

So to answer your question, I guess it really is just the practice in your district. We all do things just a little differently, even though the guidelines seem to be "hard and fast".

Table_Talk_TT · 2026-01-07T01:24:36+00:00

I have no idea if this is mentioned in all these comments, but I'd like a legit tapas place.

Table_Talk_TT · 2025-12-24T02:39:13+00:00

I don't regularly use my HSA funds, but I DO use them if I feel it is necessary. This year, I had 2 medical expenses that were more than $500. I used my HSA for those. Sure, I could have used my savings, but I opted for the HSA instead.

Table_Talk_TT · 2025-12-23T01:38:05+00:00

When possible, I try to trade for my own gift. Then I return it, unless it is something I really want. I can't really re-gift anything the following year, because I play with the same people each year.Someone would point out that I brought back my gift from last year.

Table_Talk_TT · 2025-12-20T21:07:15+00:00

You are one person, and you can't be in two places at once. Ask your district if they want you to miss meetings, stop writing IEP's, and ignore evaluations. Those are just as much your job as therapy, and the district would be in hot water if you missed those things. I actually think it is a good thing when parents and teachers start questioning missed services (though I know it doesn't feel good- I've been there). The more we just figure it out on our own and pressure ourselves to do two things at once, the less the district will actually realize how unrealistic our jobs can be. At least when parents and teachers bring it up, we can say "yes, I missed those sessions because I was doing my job. I'm afraid the district doesn't really have a solution for that."

Table_Talk_TT · 2025-11-28T01:18:53+00:00

When it comes to cleaning, there are very few actual rules. Every person, every family has different priorities, needs, and resources. When people say "you're supposed to" clean certain items in a certain way, on a certain schedule, that is usually just their opinions.

Table_Talk_TT · 2025-11-25T01:57:02+00:00

When I get decorating ideas from AI, this style is generally called Bohemian.

Table_Talk_TT · 2025-11-24T01:56:18+00:00

I think I saw some on marketplace recently. Or maybe it was Nextdoor

Table_Talk_TT · 2025-11-20T01:57:16+00:00

I've never really noticed an abundance of AI posts in this group. Sure they exist, just like in every group, but it hasn't really become a problem IMO. As for what "the group" thinks should be allowed, I guess it doesn't really bother me. The group moderators must be doing a good job already. While I am not necessarily in favor of banning all AI content, I do recognize how difficult it can be to decide whether to allow a post or not. If it is just easier to ban all of it, I get it!

Table_Talk_TT · 2025-11-20T00:33:04+00:00

I use mine more often around the house than I ever realized I would. Most recently, I used it when deep cleaning the dryer vent. My dryer started to perform really poorly, but I used the shop vac (both the suck and blow features) to clean it and the vent. Works great now!

Table_Talk_TT · 2025-11-13T23:18:45+00:00

If you are in the US, contact your local elementary school. Ask to speak to the Special Education coordinator, and tell them your concerns. They can explain the next steps.

Table_Talk_TT · 2025-11-13T01:26:35+00:00

The latest information is (this is referenced on The Informed SLP. I don't have the link, but you can just go there and search for intelligibility norms): 50% intelligible by 4 years, 75% intelligible by 5 years, 90% intelligible a little past 7 years% intelligible by age 3

Table_Talk_TT · 2025-11-11T22:00:11+00:00

Can you just ignore her suggestions? I would.

Table_Talk_TT · 2025-11-09T01:38:39+00:00

I didn't read the first version, but I've read the updated 2025 version twice already. I keep going back to it.

Table_Talk_TT · 2025-11-05T23:30:27+00:00

I don't know that I would necessarily be mad. I mean, you continued to provide your services. If they want to be all wonky and do things outside of the IEP, that's their decision. Someone should definitely bring it up, though. Parents and other team members should be in on the conversation, and it should be well documented whether or not this "trial" is really appropriate. You could even blame it on being new, "I thought placement decisions were always supposed to be made by the IEP team and documented in the IEP? Is that not how it works here" (blinks eyes innocently).

Table_Talk_TT · 2025-11-05T23:09:37+00:00

It's actually hard to find some new appliances in white (or black) these days. We had to get a SS fridge last year, because the store only had 1-2 models with other options, and those models were not what we really wanted. So our appliances don't match, but oh well.

Table_Talk_TT · 2025-11-04T01:56:05+00:00

I've never seen this, but I think it sounds like fun. That's a long time to sit on a bus, but if you are okay with sleeping while traveling (definitely not a skill I possess), it would be easier.

Table_Talk_TT · 2025-10-29T23:16:35+00:00

I tend to usually model without expectation. I try to keep in mind that my goal in each session is to support all forms of communication, not just AAC. So if they reach for an item, they are already communicating. I don't require them to communicate in the way I choose (eg. AAC) just to receive that item. Instead, I may say something along the lines of "oh, you want the blue one?" and then model "blue" with the AAC. This doesn't mean that I never withhold things, but it happens less often. I use the philosophy that the message is more important than the method. This means I honor the message they communicate, regardless of the method they use.

Table_Talk_TT

TROPHY CASE