Beyond 80% Accuracy: Writing Goals That Make Sense

The phrase "beyond 80% accuracy" is one that many clinicians recognize and rely on when writing therapy goals. It is familiar, measurable, and widely accepted. But percentages alone do not always capture what truly matters in a child’s functional communication growth. In this episode of School of Speech, host Carolyn Dolby, MS, CCC-SLP, is joined by Rebecca Moore, MS, CCC-SLP, for a practical conversation about moving beyond default accuracy statements toward goals that are clearer, more meaningful, and more clinically useful.

Together, they explore how well-written goals should communicate exactly what a child is working toward, how progress will be demonstrated, and why the target matters in real-life communication. Goals should be clear enough that another SLP can step in and understand the focus of the intervention, while also written in language that parents and caregivers can easily understand and connect to everyday routines.

Building on the ideas from the ASHA Leader article "Beyond 80% Accuracy," this session walks through real-world clinical examples and practical goal rewrites that clinicians can apply immediately. You will leave with concrete strategies for writing goals that reflect functional outcomes, support meaningful progress, and make sense for both clinical documentation and day-to-day therapy.