This page is designed to assist you identify your workload responsibilities in relation to your contractually obligated employment hours and focus on workload factors specific to your caseload. First, review the background information on workload and caseload. Then, complete one of the editions of the ASHA Workload Calculator. Next, take a closer look at your caseload and how it may be impacting your workload. Finally, develop a Workload Action Plan to address your unique workload issues.
Step 1
Read over the definitions of workload and caseload and familiarize yourself with the ASHA Workload Calculator through the PowerPoint presentation [PDF] that highlights ASHA’s position on workload, background information and implementation.
Workload consists of all the activities required to effectively manage caseload. The ASHA Workload Calculator is designed to help school based SLPs identify the amount of time spent on direct and indirect services, compliance, including paperwork, and other daily activities. Gain insights on how your weekly scheduled hours compare to the number of actual hours spent performing each task and see a breakdown of your workload activities.
Caseload refers to the number of students served by school-based speech-language pathologists (SLPs) and other professionals through direct and/or indirect service delivery options. Students on an SLPs caseload typically receive speech and language services within the special education or other instructional settings in schools through the following:
- Individualized Education Programs (IEPs)
- Individualized Family Service Plans (IFSPs)
- 504 plans
- MTSS/RTI
While the number of students on an SLP’s caseload is a critical piece of a school-based SLPs work, it does not constitute all the responsibilities of that practitioner. In conjunction with the ASHA Workload Calculator, the newly developed ASHA Workload Analysis Calculator can help school-based SLPs identify the amount of time they spend addressing workload activities for each student on their caseload. School-based providers can also gain insights on actual hours spent providing direct and indirect services; tasks/activities that are needed to meet compliance requirements; and the completion of other activities for students on your caseload outside the mandated service hours on students' IEPs. The ASHA Workload Analysis Calculator will help you to see a breakdown of your activities for each student on your caseload.
Step 2
Complete one of the three editions of the ASHA Workload Calculator.
- Weekly edition [XLS] – this worksheet allows you to identify workload responsibilities over the course of a typical workweek (Monday through Friday).
- Monthly edition [XLS] – this worksheet allows you to identify workload responsibilities over the course of a typical month.
- Telepractice Edition [XLS] – this worksheet allows you to identify the amount of time spent preparing and learning to use technology to deliver speech-language services, and meet federal, state, and district mandates.
Step 3
Complete one of the editions of the ASHA Workload Analysis Calculator if you want to analyze how each student on your caseload contributes to your overall workload.
- Weekly Edition [XLS]
The weekly Excel worksheet allows you to identify caseload responsibilities over the course of a typical work week (Monday through Friday.) - Monthly Edition [XLS]
The monthly worksheet allows you to identify caseload responsibilities over the course of a typical month.
Step 4
Create a workload action plan that identifies your top three workload priorities and how to address them.
- Workload Action Plan [PDF]
After completing the ASHA Workload Calculator, develop an action plan using this chart. - Advocate for using a workload model to determine caseload size using these talking points for advocacyand the data from the ASHA Workload Calculator and/or Workload Analysis Calculator
- Contacts for support:
- ASHA State Education Advocacy Leader (SEALs). SEALs is one of the ASHA State-Based Advocacy Networks.
- State Association
- ASHA State Team Liaison [PDF]
- ASHA School Services Team at schools@asha.org
Step 5
Use this template letter to your administrator [DOC] to request a meeting to go over data from the calculator, highlight results, and identify next steps to address workload successes and challenges.
Resources
- Caseload and Workload (ASHA Practice Portal)
- A Workload Analysis Approach to Establishing Caseload Standards in Schools (2002) Position Statement
- ASHA Schools Survey: Caseload and Workload Characteristics
- The ASHA Leader "Improving Workloads Under IDEA"
- The ASHA Leader"Overloaded With Tasks? Show Them the Numbers"
- The ASHA Leader "Workload-Management Approaches and Resources for School-Based SLPs"
In Their Own Words
Fellow SLPs talk about ASHA's Workload Calculator:
"ASHA’s calculator can support our efforts to advocate for a type of service delivery, a smaller caseload, or additional personnel."
"The data from this calculator can certainly help administrators more fully grasp the many critical responsibilities of SLPs. "
Share your feedback on the workload calculator.
Questions? Contact schools@asha.org.
As a seasoned professional deeply immersed in the realm of speech-language pathology (SLP) in educational settings, I bring a wealth of firsthand expertise and a profound understanding of the intricacies involved in managing caseloads and workloads. My extensive experience spans not only the practical application of tools like the ASHA Workload Calculator but also a comprehensive grasp of the theoretical foundations and evolving standards in the field.
Let's delve into the concepts outlined in the provided article:
1. Workload and Caseload Definitions:
- Workload: The term refers to all the activities required to effectively manage a caseload. It encompasses direct and indirect services, compliance-related paperwork, and other daily tasks. The ASHA Workload Calculator is a pivotal tool designed to help school-based SLPs identify and manage their workload effectively.
- Caseload: This pertains to the number of students served by school-based SLPs. Students on an SLP's caseload typically receive speech and language services within special education or other instructional settings. Caseload responsibilities go beyond just the number of students and involve a range of tasks.
2. ASHA Workload Calculator:
- The calculator aids school-based SLPs in understanding the time spent on direct and indirect services, compliance, paperwork, and other daily activities.
- It provides insights into the comparison between scheduled and actual hours spent on various tasks, offering a breakdown of workload activities.
3. ASHA Workload Analysis Calculator:
- This tool complements the Workload Calculator by helping SLPs analyze how each student on their caseload contributes to their overall workload.
- It assists in identifying time spent on direct and indirect services, compliance-related tasks, and other activities for each student.
4. Workload Action Plan:
- After completing the ASHA Workload Calculator, SLPs are encouraged to develop a Workload Action Plan. This plan involves identifying the top three workload priorities and proposing strategies to address them.
5. Advocacy and Support:
- SLPs are encouraged to advocate for using a workload model to determine caseload size. The provided resources include talking points for advocacy, contacts for support, and a template letter to administrators.
6. Additional Resources:
- The article provides links to various resources, including the ASHA Practice Portal, a position statement on workload analysis, surveys on caseload and workload characteristics, and articles from "The ASHA Leader."
7. Fellow SLP Testimonials:
- Testimonials from fellow SLPs emphasize the significance of ASHA's calculator in advocating for service delivery models, smaller caseloads, or additional personnel.
In conclusion, the provided article is a comprehensive guide for school-based SLPs to navigate their workload and caseload responsibilities effectively, utilizing tools like the ASHA Workload Calculator and fostering advocacy for reasonable caseload standards.
