Use the assigned method over a favorite
When to use this goal
For students who can solve a problem their own way but resist or refuse when the assignment requires a different method (show it on a number line, use a graphic organizer, write it in sentences). The student must have been taught the required method; present levels decide which methods are targeted.
- Baseline
- Give six items that require a method the student does not usually choose. Record whether the required method is used, and what the student does instead when it is not (own method only, blank, protest). Confirm with a quick probe that the student can use the method when asked one-on-one.
- Tips
- Each item requiring a specific method is one item; met means the required method is used. Letting the student also show their own way respects their thinking and lowers the cost of switching. Explain why the method is required when you can.
- Limits
- If the student cannot use the method, this is a skill gap, not a flexibility one. Measures switching methods on paper only.
Original IEP Atlas template based on general measurement principles; not copied from any goal bank. ID ef-cf-028.
Sign in to add this goal to a student.
Goal
By the annual IEP review date, during independent practice, when the directions require a specific method different from the one the student usually chooses, the student will complete the item using the required method and, if they wish, show their own method beside it independently on at least 5 of 6 items, in 3 of 4 consecutive weekly probes, as measured by opportunity-by-opportunity data collected weekly.
Baseline: 2 of 6 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 Cognitive Flexibility.
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
- Executive Function - Cognitive Flexibility
- Baseline
- 2 of 6 opportunities.
- Annual goal411 characters
- By the annual IEP review date, during independent practice, when the directions require a specific method different from the one the student usually chooses, the student will complete the item using the required method and, if they wish, show their own method beside it independently on at least 5 of 6 items, in 3 of 4 consecutive weekly probes, as measured by opportunity-by-opportunity data collected weekly.
- Timeframe
- By the annual IEP review date
- Condition
- During independent practice, when the directions require a specific method different from the one the student usually chooses
- Behavior
- The student will complete the item using the required method and, if they wish, show their own method beside it independently
- Criteria
- On at least 5 of 6 items, in 3 of 4 consecutive weekly probes
- Evaluation method
- Opportunity-by-opportunity data
- Schedule
- 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:
- on at least 5 of 6 items
- Mastery rule:
- in 3 of 4 consecutive weekly probes
- Collection schedule:
- weekly
- Method:
- Opportunity (trial) recording
- Data collector:
Goal: By the annual IEP review date, during independent practice, when the directions require a specific method different from the one the student usually chooses, the student will complete the item using the required method and, if they wish, show their own method beside it independently on at least 5 of 6 items, in 3 of 4 consecutive weekly probes, as measured by opportunity-by-opportunity data collected 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 | # + (of 6) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Preview shows 4 of 12 rows.
- Record up to 6 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.