Follow a direction given on a picture card or written note
When to use this goal
For students who do not reliably process spoken directions (hearing loss, language delay, a noisy room) and for whom a picture card or short written note is the plan's main direction format. Base the choice on data comparing spoken and visual directions. Work with the SLP or teacher of the deaf on the format.
- Baseline
- Give 10 familiar directions by card alone and 10 by voice alone and compare. Confirm the student can match each card to its action in a sorting task; if not, teach the cards first. Keep the card set small (5 to 8 directions) during the goal.
- Tips
- Use the same cards everywhere, including specials and home. Fade the spoken pairing only after card-alone trials are reliable. For written notes, keep to 3 to 5 words the student can read. This goal is about the response to the direction; receptive language goals belong to the speech-language area.
- Limits
- Only covers familiar directions with a card; novel directions still need another format. Does not measure comprehension of longer written directions (executive-function multi-step-directions).
Original IEP Atlas template based on general measurement principles; not copied from any goal bank. ID bh-dir-027.
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Goal
By the annual IEP review date, when an adult shows a single picture card for a familiar direction (sit, line up, wash hands) and waits, the student will independently begin the pictured or written direction within 10 seconds without a spoken repeat in at least 8 of 10 opportunities, across 3 consecutive weekly data summaries, as measured by opportunity-by-opportunity data collected daily, 10 visual directions across routines, summarized weekly.
Baseline: 2 of 10 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
- 2 of 10 opportunities.
- Annual goal448 characters
- By the annual IEP review date, when an adult shows a single picture card for a familiar direction (sit, line up, wash hands) and waits, the student will independently begin the pictured or written direction within 10 seconds without a spoken repeat in at least 8 of 10 opportunities, across 3 consecutive weekly data summaries, as measured by opportunity-by-opportunity data collected daily, 10 visual directions across routines, summarized weekly.
- Timeframe
- By the annual IEP review date
- Condition
- When an adult shows a single picture card for a familiar direction (sit, line up, wash hands) and waits
- Behavior
- The student will independently begin the pictured or written direction within 10 seconds without a spoken repeat
- Criteria
- In at least 8 of 10 opportunities, across 3 consecutive weekly data summaries
- Evaluation method
- Opportunity-by-opportunity data
- Schedule
- Daily, 10 visual directions across routines, 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 8 of 10 opportunities
- Mastery rule:
- across 3 consecutive weekly data summaries
- Collection schedule:
- daily, 10 visual directions across routines, summarized weekly
- Method:
- Opportunity (trial) recording
- Data collector:
Goal: By the annual IEP review date, when an adult shows a single picture card for a familiar direction (sit, line up, wash hands) and waits, the student will independently begin the pictured or written direction within 10 seconds without a spoken repeat in at least 8 of 10 opportunities, across 3 consecutive weekly data summaries, as measured by opportunity-by-opportunity data collected daily, 10 visual directions across routines, 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 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | # + (of 10) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Preview shows 4 of 12 rows.
- Record up to 10 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.