In the spirit of the madness of Spring for School Psychologists, I thought I’d share some quick tips that have helped me save time. These are really all things I do ahead of time to save on the craziness of the Spring.

1. Create and use a score descriptor sheet

I pretty much know the score descriptors for the WISC by heart at this point, but I spent too much time flipping through manuals and score print outs to fill in my score tables. This summer, I compiled my most used score descriptions on a laminated, double-sided paper I hang right near my desk. I use it every single time I write a report-love it!

2. Compile a solid report template with EVERY ASSESSMENT YOU USE

For years, I was copying and pasting from different reports into a template that had only some of what I needed. Then, this summer, I finally sat down and compiled every single assessment writeup template I had into one giant monster template. I no longer have to go searching through my files, and now just delete what I don’t need. It’s so much easier!

3. Find a system that works for you

This might seem silly, but find a routine for gathering all your information for reports and writing htem that works for you. I’ve read tips from other school psychs who write up parts of reports as they test them, and have it mostly written by the end. I tried it, but that just iddn’t work for me. INstead, I do ALL my testing, do observtions/file reviews, score everything and THEN sit down to write. If I don’t do it this way, it takes me twice as long and I get very disorganized!

4. Create a place to gather every single piece of information you need

I can’t tell you how many times I have brought home a huge testing file, and my scoring USB’s to work on a report I need done by Monday only to sit down and realize I have no documented background information on the student. UGH. Early in Monday morning to figure that one out. For the past 2 years, I create for myself a paper (and checklist) for everything from file reviews to student interviews, so I can get it all done, stick it in a folder, and take it out when I need it.

5. Create a bank of recommendations

Again, this takes a good chunk of time ahead of time, but up until this year, I was constantly gathering recommendations from here, there any everywhere to compile into my reports. Then, this summer, after I finished up my report template, I added in a bank of reccomedations by subject area that I, again, just delete what I don’t need. IT SAVES SO MUCH TIME.

So there you have it, my friends, 5 things you can do to make your report writing go quicker. Don’t have time for these now? Add just one to your summer to do list-it and it will pay off-I promise!