Carry out directions shown with a gesture
When to use this goal
For preschool students and young learners who follow few spoken directions alone but respond when the adult points, shows the object, or models the action. Base the choice on receptive language present levels and the communication team's input, not on age.
- Baseline
- Record 10 routine directions per day for three days with the spoken direction alone and then with the object or gesture added, to see how much the visual helps. Note which directions are already known; start teaching with those the student follows sometimes.
- Tips
- Choose directions that matter in the day (get your cup, put the block in the bin, go to the door). Say the direction once, show the object, wait 5 seconds. Fade the object toward a point, then toward the spoken word alone. A family can use the same objects and words at home.
- Limits
- Measures following a cued direction, not understanding of spoken language alone; pair with a receptive language goal when that is the need. Directions must be within the student's motor ability.
Original IEP Atlas template based on general measurement principles; not copied from any goal bank. ID bh-dir-034.
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Goal
By the annual IEP review date, when an adult gives a familiar one-step direction while showing the object involved (holding up the coat and saying "coat on"), the student will carry out the action named in the direction (getting, putting, or going to the item or place) independently in at least 7 of 10 opportunities, on 3 consecutive data collection days, as measured by opportunity-by-opportunity data collected 10 directions per day across routines.
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 goal453 characters
- By the annual IEP review date, when an adult gives a familiar one-step direction while showing the object involved (holding up the coat and saying "coat on"), the student will carry out the action named in the direction (getting, putting, or going to the item or place) independently in at least 7 of 10 opportunities, on 3 consecutive data collection days, as measured by opportunity-by-opportunity data collected 10 directions per day across routines.
- Timeframe
- By the annual IEP review date
- Condition
- When an adult gives a familiar one-step direction while showing the object involved (holding up the coat and saying "coat on")
- Behavior
- The student will carry out the action named in the direction (getting, putting, or going to the item or place) independently
- Criteria
- In at least 7 of 10 opportunities, on 3 consecutive data collection days
- Evaluation method
- Opportunity-by-opportunity data
- Schedule
- 10 directions per day across routines
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 7 of 10 opportunities
- Mastery rule:
- on 3 consecutive data collection days
- Collection schedule:
- 10 directions per day across routines
- Method:
- Opportunity (trial) recording
- Data collector:
Goal: By the annual IEP review date, when an adult gives a familiar one-step direction while showing the object involved (holding up the coat and saying "coat on"), the student will carry out the action named in the direction (getting, putting, or going to the item or place) independently in at least 7 of 10 opportunities, on 3 consecutive data collection days, as measured by opportunity-by-opportunity data collected 10 directions per day across routines.
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.