Speech Sound Errors

Case Study: Implementing Response to Intervention (RTI) for Speech Sound Errors

January 22, 20252 min read

Background Information:

Student: John, a 2nd-grade student Initial Concerns: John was not being picked up for speech therapy until Christmas or later due to the 60-day assessment period. He had noticeable speech sound errors, particularly with the sounds /r/ and /s/.

RTI Implementation:

Approach: The RTI process was initiated in October, focusing on timely and targeted interventions to address John's speech sound errors. Interventions Used:

  • Tier 1: Whole-class phonemic awareness activities and regular screenings.

  • Tier 2: Small group sessions focusing on articulation exercises twice a week.

  • Tier 3: Individualized speech therapy sessions three times a week, utilizing visual and auditory feedback techniques.

Timeline:

  • October: Initial screening and identification of needs.

  • October - December: Tier 2 small group interventions.

  • December - January: Tier 3 individualized sessions.

Goals and Objectives:

Goal: Improve John's articulation of the /r/ and /s/ sounds to age-appropriate levels. Objectives:

  1. Correctly articulate /r/ and /s/ sounds in isolation by the end of November.

  2. Use correct /r/ and /s/ sounds in words by mid-December.

  3. Achieve correct articulation in sentences and spontaneous speech by January.

Progress Monitoring:

Methods:

  • Weekly articulation assessments.

  • Teacher and parent feedback forms. Data Collected:

  • Initial: John was able to correctly produce /r/ and /s/ sounds in 20% of opportunities.

  • Midpoint (November): Improvement to 60% in isolated sounds.

  • Final (January): Correct production in 90% of opportunities in words and 80% in spontaneous speech.

Results and Outcomes:

Progress: John showed significant improvement, with correct articulation of /r/ and /s/ sounds in most contexts by January. Comparison:

  • Initial: 20% correct production.

  • Post-intervention: 90% correct in words, 80% in spontaneous speech.

Parent and Teacher Involvement:

Involvement: Parents were provided with home practice activities, and teachers incorporated articulation practice in classroom activities. Feedback:

  • Parents: Noted significant improvement in John's speech clarity.

  • Teacher: Reported increased participation and confidence in class.

Challenges and Solutions:

Challenges:

  • Limited availability of individualized sessions due to scheduling.

  • Initial resistance from John to participate in sessions. Solutions:

  • Flexibility in scheduling to accommodate more sessions.

  • Use of engaging and motivating activities to increase participation.

Conclusion and Reflections:

Effectiveness: The RTI approach proved to be effective and solution-focused, with John showing marked improvement within a shorter timeframe than the traditional assessment period. Reflections: The early intervention and tailored support were key factors in the success of this case. Future interventions could benefit from even earlier screenings and increased parent-teacher collaboration.

I (Sheridan) used to be that visionary business owner with all the balls in the air. I had my master's degree in speech therapy and created a six-figure consulting business in that field. But I didn’t stop there. I created another six-figure business as a health coach, and then one as a business coach for good measure. But the whole time I was trading time for money. I worked a zillion hours a week. Don’t believe me? I have five kids, and in addition to the work stuff, I was an available and committed mother to my children – doing the laundry, ferrying them to activities, and on and on...

By outward measures, I looked successful, but on the inside, I was mentally and physically exhausted.  I had hit a ceiling in my income and every incremental increase required more from me. I was in constant striving mode, trying to push myself to constantly do more. Until it all fell apart (even typing that makes me quake remembering). I had a major health crisis that caused me to pull the plug on 95% of my business. Almost everything came to a full stop.  

 Which was the best gift I ever received. 

You see, working hard and learning more skills is not enough. Heart, vision and best intentions are not enough. It’s embarrassing to admit, but I didn’t know what I was doing even though it looked like I did.

Sheridan Cotrell

I (Sheridan) used to be that visionary business owner with all the balls in the air. I had my master's degree in speech therapy and created a six-figure consulting business in that field. But I didn’t stop there. I created another six-figure business as a health coach, and then one as a business coach for good measure. But the whole time I was trading time for money. I worked a zillion hours a week. Don’t believe me? I have five kids, and in addition to the work stuff, I was an available and committed mother to my children – doing the laundry, ferrying them to activities, and on and on... By outward measures, I looked successful, but on the inside, I was mentally and physically exhausted. I had hit a ceiling in my income and every incremental increase required more from me. I was in constant striving mode, trying to push myself to constantly do more. Until it all fell apart (even typing that makes me quake remembering). I had a major health crisis that caused me to pull the plug on 95% of my business. Almost everything came to a full stop. Which was the best gift I ever received. You see, working hard and learning more skills is not enough. Heart, vision and best intentions are not enough. It’s embarrassing to admit, but I didn’t know what I was doing even though it looked like I did.

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