Can an Assistant tally scores on standardized and criterion referenced tests?

An Assistant is permitted to tally scores on standardized and criterion-referenced tests as long as they do so without clinical interpretation. This means that they can accurately record and calculate the scores from assessments but are not qualified to interpret what those scores mean in the context of a client's therapy or educational needs. The distinction is crucial; scoring can be seen as a more mechanical task, while clinical interpretation involves professional judgment and knowledge that falls within the scope of practice for licensed Speech Language Pathologists (SLPs).

The role of the Assistant is intended to support the work of the SLP by managing tasks that do not require specific clinical training or expertise, allowing the SLP to focus on planning and implementing treatment based on the results. Thus, tallying scores aligns with the assistant's responsibilities, ensuring they contribute to the assessment process without overstepping their professional boundaries.