Follow non-preferred directions at the same rate as preferred ones
When to use this goal
For students who follow directions they like quickly but not ones they do not. The data sheet separates the two so the goal targets the gap. Base the choice on data with both rates. Reasonable directions only; the plan should list what counts as non-preferred for this student.
- Baseline
- Record 10 preferred and 10 non-preferred directions and compare the rates followed within 15 seconds. If both are low, use bh-dir-001; if only non-preferred is low, this goal fits. List the non-preferred directions used so the data stay comparable.
- Tips
- Behavioral momentum (a few easy, liked directions first) and a first-then card are the usual supports; fade them as the rate rises. Keep non-preferred directions short so the first step is small. Reinforce starting. If refusal of non-preferred tasks is escape-maintained, a break request (replacement-behavior bh-rep-001) should be taught at the same time.
- Limits
- What is non-preferred changes over time; review the list monthly. A goal like this should not be used to require tasks that are too hard; check the instructional level first.
Original IEP Atlas template based on general measurement principles; not copied from any goal bank. ID bh-dir-019.
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Goal
By the annual IEP review date, when given a one-step direction to start or do a non-preferred task (clean up, start writing, put the toy away), the student will independently begin the non-preferred direction within 15 seconds without a repeat in at least 4 of 5 opportunities, across 3 consecutive weekly data summaries, as measured by opportunity-by-opportunity data collected daily, 5 non-preferred directions, summarized weekly.
Baseline: 1 of 5 opportunities.
- Condition
- Observable behavior
- Criterion
- Measurement method
Measurability check11 of 11 met
Met: Observable behavior. Stated as an action.
Met: Condition. Stated.
Met: Unit fits the behavior. Opportunities fits this behavior.
Met: Explicit criterion. Number and unit stated.
Met: Mastery rule and schedule. Both stated.
Met: Method produces the metric. Opportunity (trial) recording gives opportunities data.
Met: Review timeframe. Stated.
Met: Baseline and target compatible. Same unit, change in the right direction.
Met: Aligned with area of need. Still about Following Adult Directions.
Met: Level of support. Defined.
Met: Blanks filled in. Nothing left to fill in.
Checks structure and wording only. Whether the goal fits the student is the team's call.
Short-term objectives (optional)
When are objectives required?Required for students on alternate assessments (34 CFR §300.320(a)(2)(ii)); some states require them for everyone.
Paste into your IEP system
Most district systems have a separate box for each part of a goal. Copy them one at a time, or all at once as labeled text.
- Area of need
- Behavior & Classroom Expectations - Following Adult Directions
- Baseline
- 1 of 5 opportunities.
- Annual goal432 characters
- By the annual IEP review date, when given a one-step direction to start or do a non-preferred task (clean up, start writing, put the toy away), the student will independently begin the non-preferred direction within 15 seconds without a repeat in at least 4 of 5 opportunities, across 3 consecutive weekly data summaries, as measured by opportunity-by-opportunity data collected daily, 5 non-preferred directions, summarized weekly.
- Timeframe
- By the annual IEP review date
- Condition
- When given a one-step direction to start or do a non-preferred task (clean up, start writing, put the toy away)
- Behavior
- The student will independently begin the non-preferred direction within 15 seconds without a repeat
- Criteria
- In at least 4 of 5 opportunities, across 3 consecutive weekly data summaries
- Evaluation method
- Opportunity-by-opportunity data
- Schedule
- Daily, 5 non-preferred directions, summarized weekly
Copied as plain text, with straight quotes and plain dashes.
Matching data sheet
Opportunity tracker. One box per opportunity in each session.
Opportunity tracker
Opportunities- Student label:
- Target:
- in at least 4 of 5 opportunities
- Mastery rule:
- across 3 consecutive weekly data summaries
- Collection schedule:
- daily, 5 non-preferred directions, summarized weekly
- Method:
- Opportunity (trial) recording
- Data collector:
Goal: By the annual IEP review date, when given a one-step direction to start or do a non-preferred task (clean up, start writing, put the toy away), the student will independently begin the non-preferred direction within 15 seconds without a repeat in at least 4 of 5 opportunities, across 3 consecutive weekly data summaries, as measured by opportunity-by-opportunity data collected daily, 5 non-preferred directions, summarized weekly.
Key: + demonstrated independently · P demonstrated with a prompt (note type) · − not demonstrated · NA no opportunity occurred
| Date | Activity / context | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | # + (of 5) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Preview shows 4 of 12 rows.
- Record up to 5 opportunities per session, matching the goal's denominator.
- Define in advance what counts as an opportunity so every data collector records the same thing.
- Count only + marks toward the criterion unless the goal specifies prompted responses.
The CSV opens in Excel or Google Sheets, with formulas. Sheets print blank; no student data is stored.