Introduction to Communication Disorders - Goal Writing and Data Collection

This set of vocabulary flashcards covers the principles of goal writing (LTG vs. STG), the ABCD format, SMART criteria, and data collection methods including cueing levels as discussed in SLPA 5701.

Goal

A statement describing an intended behavior in an observable and measurable way, identifying what the client is expected to do, under what conditions, and with what degree of success.

Long Term Goal (LTG)

Broad goals describing the "end goal" of therapy that could be reached by the end of a semester, year, or at discharge.

Short Term Goal (STG)

Specific, observable, and measurable building blocks toward Long Term Goals; each LTG must have at least one of these under it.

Audience (ABCD format)

The component of a goal that identifies who is expected to demonstrate the target behavior.

Behavior (ABCD format)

The component of a goal that describes the specific observable and measurable action to be performed.

Condition (ABCD format)

The component of a goal that identifies the context, setting, or environment in which the behavior is expected to occur.

Degree (ABCD format)

The component of a goal that specifies the targeted level of success or accuracy required.

SMART Goals

An acronym used to ensure goals are Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Timely.

Subjective Words

Terms to avoid in goal writing because they are not observable or measurable, such as "understand," "think," "know," "comprehend," and "learn."

Minimal Cues

A level of assistance involving prompts like "What did you say?" or requiring cues for approximately $25\%$ of responses.

Moderate Cues

A level of assistance involving modeling, such as showing tongue placement for the $/l/$ sound, or requiring cues for $50\%$ of responses.

Maximum Cues

The highest level of assistance involving tactile-physical prompts or requiring cues for $75\%$ or more of responses.

Data Collection

The process of recording responses and types of cueing to track performance, calculate percentages, and guide decision-making for subsequent therapy sessions.

Goal Mastery Criteria

The standard used to determine if a goal is met, usually defined as the client performing at criteria for $3$ consecutive sessions.