Case Study: Sparta Area School District achieves reduced SLP caseloads and stronger early intervention with PresenceLearning

Wisconsin District Uses Live Online Speech Therapy to Reduce SpeechLanguage Pathologist Caseloads and Boost Early Intervention Efforts

Sparta Area School District in western Wisconsin faced a critical speech‑language pathologist (SLP) shortage after one SLP left while the number of students needing speech services and early Response to Intervention (RtI) supports was increasing. With only three SLPs remaining and regional hiring challenges, the district risked oversized caseloads, potential attrition, and difficulty meeting IDEA requirements for timely intervention.

Sparta partnered with PresenceLearning to deliver live online speech therapy, bringing a virtual SLP on board by mid‑September to act as the district’s fourth clinician. The remote service kept district caseloads manageable (about 40–50 students), freed staff to focus on RtI and early intervention, and helped the district catch delays sooner to reduce future special education needs.

Sparta Area School District

Peggy Jadack

Director of Pupil Services