Before recording our SLP Summit course, we wanted to hear directly from you about how data fits into your day-to-day practice. So we asked SLPs to share how they collect data, when they use it, and what challenges get in the way.
After reviewing 686 responses, the themes were clear.
How SLPs Are Collecting Data Right Now
Most SLPs are still using paper-first systems.
Out of 686 responses:
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40.4% (277 SLPs) use paper binders, sticky notes, or notebooks
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35.3% (242 SLPs) use digital tools like SLP Toolkit or Kit for Teams
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7.4% (51 SLPs) use spreadsheets
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The remaining responses (17%) were mixed systems like Google Forms, district-required platforms, or hybrid paper–digital setups
This aligns with what we hear from school-based SLPs: many rely on paper because it’s fast and familiar in busy school settings — even if it doesn’t support tracking trends, organizing progress, or simplifying Medicaid billing the way digital tools can.
When SLPs Actually Look at Their Data
Three moments consistently trigger a deeper look at data:
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42.1% review data when progress reports are due
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44% check data when planning therapy and needing to see trends
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12% look at data when Medicaid logs are calling
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A small percentage review data due to supervisor requests or selected “What data?”
Many SLPs said they only look at data “when the deadline forces it,” which highlights a larger issue: the workflow for collecting data and the workflow for using data are still disconnected.
How Often SLPs Use Data for Lesson Planning
When asked how often data informs weekly planning:
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24.5% use data every session
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37.8% use it once a week
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21.1% use it once a month
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16.6% use it only when they have to
This reflects a reality many school-based SLPs experience: with limited time, shifting schedules, and mixed groups, even the best intentions can be difficult to follow through on.
Planning Styles Across SLPs
SLPs differ widely in how they approach planning:
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56.4% described themselves as Type AB — liking structure, taking regular data, staying organized
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32.9% said they fly by the seat of their pants and don’t always create formal plans
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8% follow evidence-based practice closely but struggle with making things fun
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3% map everything out but find the process stressful
This flexibility is a strength — but it also contributes to planning taking so much time.
Biggest Pain Points in Lesson Planning
Across hundreds of free-response answers and multiple-choice selections, the same challenges rose to the top:
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51.6% said the biggest issue is time to do it — there’s simply never enough
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22.6% said finding or creating materials takes the most time
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7.9% struggle with connecting plans to data
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6.9% said keeping students engaged is hardest
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The remaining responses included mixed groups, diverse ability levels, and “all of the above”
These themes echo what ASHA outlines in its school-based SLP workload guidance: indirect responsibilities like documentation, compliance, and meetings make up a large portion of an SLP’s workload.
Reference: https://www.asha.org/practice-portal/professional-issues/Caseload-and-Workload
How Comfortable SLPs Feel With AI Tools
Comfort levels were spread out, with a slight lean toward the middle:
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16.6% rated their comfort at 1
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17.1% at 2
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32.4% at 3 (the largest group)
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21.9% at 4
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12.1% at 5
This shows curiosity, openness, and a desire to learn — but also highlights that many SLPs are still figuring out how to use AI in a school-appropriate, supportive way.
What This Means for SLP Summit
These insights shaped the course we recorded for SLP Summit. We focused on:
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How to bridge daily data and planning
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How to make faster decisions from the data you already have
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How AI can support your workflow without adding steps
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How to simplify mixed-group planning
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How to connect data, materials, and goals in one place
The course will be available when Summit opens on December 1st.
Register here: https://www.bethebrightest.com/en/events/slp-summit
Where We’re Going Next
These results help guide what we’re building next inside Kit for Teams. Our goals include:
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Faster, simpler ways to collect and apply data
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Templates that support mixed groups
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Planning tools tied directly to student goals
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Optional AI support that’s safe and easy to use
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Workflows that protect your time
If you’d like to explore Kit — it’s free for 14 days:
https://app.kitforteams.com/auth/signup
You can also learn more about our sister product, SLP Toolkit, which supports present levels, goal writing, rubric-based progress monitoring, and digital data collection:
https://www.slptoolkit.com