Evaluating Graduate Clinicians in SLP
Evaluating graduate clinicians is not always easy and sometimes can be uncomfortable. I can assure you that graduate clinicians in speech-language pathology (SLP) are used to feedback. It’s a part of their learning process throughout their graduate school career. If you are supervising a graduate clinician, the student’s program should provide guidelines for evaluating the clinician. Below are a few things to keep in mind.
How do I evaluate the student’s performance?
Most programs will use Typhon or Calypso as a tool for tracking students’ hours and grading them. The areas graded align with ASHA’s standards. Programs will want you to complete evaluations both at mid-semester and then again at the end of the semester. The best time to complete these evaluations is up to you and the student, but please make sure you review them with the student. It’s not a time for surprises, the information shared should be a summary of what you have discussed with the student up to that point. If there are multiple supervisors, check with the program to see if one evaluation should be completed by all supervisors or if they should be done separately.
What does the grading system mean?
The online platforms, Calypso and Typhon, have number scales for your personal use in determining areas of strength and opportunities for growth. These numbers may not directly translate into a direct grade. Most programs use this feedback as part of an overarching assessment of the student’s clinical performance in the program. Students should show growth throughout their entire clinical program (across all semesters). Some students may need more or less support as they transition into a new clinical environment each semester. Also, some populations may require more initial guidance than others (i.e., NICU, trach/vent patients, etc.).
What if there is an issue/concern?
If you or the student feels that there are problems that impact the student’s learning experience, you should first discuss the issues directly with the student in an effort to clear up any misunderstandings (the majority of issues stem from miscommunication). For issues related to students who are struggling to meet minimum expectations or have serious attendance issues, supervisors should contact the student’s program as soon as possible. Clear documentation of concerns in writing (via email and in evaluations) is essential in these situations. Just like you need documentation for clients, programs need it for students. In addition, you should reach out at any time to participate in any problem-solving process related to the placement.
What questions do you have about evaluating graduate clinicians? Let us know in the comments below. ⬇️