An SLP needs to measure articulatory errors over time. What is the best method for this?

The most effective method for measuring articulatory errors over time is through frequent observational assessments. This approach allows the speech-language pathologist (SLP) to collect real-time, context-specific data on a client's speech production in natural settings. By observing the client in various environments and situations, the SLP can note the frequency, types, and contexts of articulatory errors, providing a comprehensive view of the child's speech patterns and progress.

Frequent observational assessments also facilitate ongoing feedback and adjustments to therapy as needed, enabling the SLP to tailor interventions more effectively. This method supports tracking changes over time and can highlight specific areas that require additional focus or reinforcement.

While standardized testing can provide a snapshot of a client’s abilities at a single point in time, it does not capture the dynamic nature of speech production in everyday contexts. Dynamic assessments are useful for understanding a learner's potential for change and how they respond to intervention but may not provide the continuous monitoring needed for tracking errors over time. Parent report measures are valuable for gathering insights into a child's speech in different contexts, yet they often lack the objective and direct observational data that frequent assessments provide.