Ohio Department of Education Leads Caseload Task Force
“Coming together is a beginning; keeping together is progress; working together is success.”
~Henry Ford
The Ohio Department of Education’s (ODE) Office for Exceptional Children is collaborating with schools to identify methods for calculating service-provider caseload rations. University of Akron professor, Dr. Charles Carlin, is consulting on this project which aims to ultimately provide a statewide model for calculating caseload ratios that strongly consider student needs . ODE’s post reads:
We are happy to announce that all of our Caseload Ratio Project Partners are proposing plans that are flexible and address services being provided in inclusive settings.
Examples of the proposed alternative plans include:
• Developing flexible workload weighted formulas;
• Determining ratios based on intensity of student needs;
• Creating a caseload formula and a system to monitor student progress; and
• Studying service provider ratios in inclusive and resource settings;
This initiative will likely lead the way for other regions to adopt a similar approach to planning for and supporting caseloads. I am predicting that districts will also be better equipped to budget and recruit for service providers based on the outcomes of this initiative.
As a speech-language pathologist, nothing feels better than having the capacity to make a difference to each and every student who is in need of support. Providing services online has significantly increased the impact my speech team makes each day for our teachers and students because our time is student focused – not at all impacted by geography.
The future is looking brighter for students! A steering committee focused on ensuring caseloads are weighted on “student needs” PLUS online speech therapy reaching children who would otherwise go without support…this equation promises a better tomorrow.
TinyEYE’s team will be visiting Ohio in the next few weeks. If you are seeking a quality solution for providing exceptional speech therapy services to your school, touch base with me! marneeATtinyeye.com.
Take care,
Marnee Brick, MSc
Speech-Language Pathologist and Director of Speech Therapy
TinyEYE Therapy Services (Speech Therapy Telepractice)
306-955-1911
Growing smiles, mending spirits, engaging children in their lives…
TinyEYE is the world’s preferred online speech therapy service provider for schools, agencies, and individuals who seek exceptional performance, revolutionary solutions, outstanding service, and student success!