Case Study: Dodge City Unified School District achieves award-winning student progress and reduced SLP caseloads with PresenceLearning

District Experiences Award-winning Results Using Online Therapy

Dodge City Unified School District 443, a district of nearly 7,000 students in Dodge City, KS, faced an urgent staffing crisis after the sudden loss of a full-time speech-language pathologist and many remaining SLPs shifting to part-time. With high caseloads, difficulty hiring replacements, and an immediate need to maintain consistent, high-quality SLP services, district leadership sought an effective alternative.

The district piloted PresenceLearning’s online speech therapy with about 35 students across two elementary schools, using the same Functional Communication Measures as in-person services. The pilot reduced caseloads for on-site SLPs, increased student engagement, and produced measurable gains that exceeded national benchmarks—earning Dodge City a PresenceLearning Award of Excellence. Based on the success, the district plans to more than double participation to roughly 75 students and expand the program into middle schools.

Dodge City Unified School District

John Maples

Assistant Director