EVALUATION OF CLINICAL KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS
All students in the Master’s program in speech-language pathology register for SPHS 704,
Clinical Issues and Experience, each semester. This variable credit course includes modules
related to professional issues, along with direct clinical practicum experiences.
Clinical performance is evaluated at midterm to ensure the student is meeting the expectations
outlined in the Clinical Contract at the beginning of the semester. The clinical supervisor also
completes the Clinical Performance Feedback form at midterm to provide the student with
specific written feedback.
All course activities are expected to be completed at a “passing” (P) level, equivalent to a B (80)
or higher. If an assignment does not meet a “passing” standard, it will be returned for revisions.
If more than one assignment is returned per semester, the student will receive a “low pass” (L) for
the semester. The student must attain an average rating of 1.5 or greater on the Skills Outcomes
of Supervised Clinical Experience form to achieve a grade of P(ass) for clinical practicum. A
grade of 1.0 to 1.4 will be consistent with an L(ow Pass), and a grade less than 1.0 will result in a
grade of F(ailure). The rating scale used by clinical supervisors is outlined below.
Assuming a student has met the passing standard for the course, students may complete an
optional “honors” (H) project each semester. Students may choose one of two optional honors
projects:
1) An in-service presentation at the clinical site on a topic approved by the clinical supervisor.
The in-service may be delivered to professionals or to caregiver(s) of a client or patient.
2) A literature review on a topic related to clinical supervision, approved by the clinical education
coordinator.
Skills Outcomes of Supervised Clinical Experience
Rating Scale
Please rate the student's knowledge and skills using the following rating scale (the rating scale is
also printed on the form):
(Note: Please do not rate the student based on "effort." The student will have the option
of completing an additional project to demonstrate exceptional effort for grading
purposes.)
(3) The student demonstrated knowledge and skills in this area at an independent level of
clinical competency.
A level "3" indicates you feel comfortable having the student perform this task without
supervision. You may also think of this level of performance as "CF-ready" level work.
(2) The student demonstrated knowledge and skills in this area at an adequate but not yet
independent level of competency.
A level "2" indicates the student can sometimes perform independently, with consultation and
some observation from the supervisor. This is consistent with the expectation of a typical student
clinician by the end of the semester.
(1) The student demonstrated academic knowledge in this area, with emerging clinical
skills in this area.
A level "1" indicates the student can only perform this task with direct supervision. This level is
generally associated with limited exposure to a particular task.
(0) The student did not demonstrate any academic knowledge or clinical skill in this area.
A level "0" indicates the student was unable to carry out a task that was explained and
demonstrated by the supervisor. This level is associated with lack of initiative and inability to
apply knowledge to clinical practice. It should not be used for skills that did not apply to the site.
Instead, leave those blank. If the student had limited experience with a skill, consider rating at a
level "1" rather than a "0."