Workshop description

The Communication Matrix is a powerful tool designed to assess the communication skills of students who are developing communication at the emergent level. This presentation will guide educators, speech-language pathologists, and family members on the IEP team in understanding how to translate assessment results into meaningful, evidence-based strategies for communication development. The session will begin with a brief overview of the Communication Matrix, including its structure, purpose, and the seven levels of communication development it measures. Participants will explore how the tool helps identify an individual's current communication behaviors and the next logical steps to support progress. A case study will illustrate how the Communication Matrix can be used to inform individualized communication goals and interventions. Through this real-world example, participants will see how data from the assessment can promote collaboration among team members, guide instructional planning, and ultimately enhance student engagement and growth. The session will conclude with a review of practical resources and tools available to educators. These will include strategy guides, sample goals, and links to free materials that can be used to implement communication supports across the school setting and home. Participants will leave with a clear understanding of how to move from assessment to instruction.

Presented by Ann Mayes.