Who loves being buried in IEPs?!

Not this SLP!

It’s easy for it to feel like you’ll never be able to tackle that long list of pending IEPs, but I know you can!

I also happen to have a few tips that can save you some time!

NOTE: There are links below that are Amazon Affiliate links for your convenience, but I may receive compensation if you click through and purchase one of the products. *

1. Keep Track of Steps

Any other procrastinators out there?

I’m especially good at procrastinating when I feel overwhelmed.

The best way to overcome the overwhelm and get things done more efficiently is to break a project (like writing an IEP) into smaller steps. It makes it easier to get started, and you’re less likely to miss important steps.

You can use a digital calendar/task management system! I love using Asana to keep track of my steps.

You can also use a paper planner or checklists to help you get started!

2. Organize Your Papers

You also want to make sure you can find your paperwork! This hanging file organizer has been a lifesaver for me, but use what works for you! Labels, binder clips, or color-coded files could also be great options!

3. Use Templates

It’s also much easier to write a report when you have a template to get you started. Once you have all of the basics covered, you’ll have more time and energy to focus on “customizing” the report to be an accurate description of the individual student.

Here are some of my favorite resources:

• Jenna from the Speech Room News compiled a list of paperwork shortcuts!
• Home Speech Home also has a page filled with speech therapy test descriptions.
• Don’t forget to look back at previous reports! If you’re not sure if you’re on the right track, you can also colleagues if they’d be willing to share their templates.

4. Goals

You also don’t have to reinvent the wheel when it comes to writing goals!

Here are three sites that share goal banks:

Speaking of Speech
Speechy Musings
Speech Room News

How about some EBP? Here is an article that offers some suggestions when it comes to writing goals for older students.

5. Text Expander

I add all of my templates to a text expander software. This has been the biggest time-saver for me. No more searching through pages and pages of templates to find that one phrase I need. I just push a few keys, and all of the text I need magically appears!

6. Find and Replace

The fun doesn’t stop there! You can also use the Find and Replace feature to quickly “customize” your templates. Felice from the Dabbling Speechie shared a trick to help you quickly fill in your speech report templates.

Here’s a quick video round-up of the six tips!

Let me know if you have any other favorite shortcuts, and I’ll add them here!

* Marisha Mets is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon properties including, but not limited to, amazon.com, endless.com, myhabit.com, smallparts.com, or amazonwireless.com.

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Hi there! I'm Marisha. I am a school-based SLP who is all about working smarter, not harder. I created the SLP Now Membership and love sharing tips and tricks to help you save time so you can focus on what matters most--your students AND yourself.

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