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Follow multi-step directions given to the whole group

Unreviewed draftK-2, 3-5, 6-8Opportunities
Student reference

Use a generic label rather than a student's name. Review goals within your school's approved IEP system.

Current baseline

Sample numbers are illustrative. Set the baseline and target from the student's own assessment data and team judgment.

Condition

Setting, materials, or situation, such as a passage level or a work period.

Observable behavior

Something an adult can see, count, or time. Avoid “understand,” “improve,” or “know.”

Level of support

Say exactly what support counts, such as “with one verbal prompt.” Leave “independently” if none.

Criterion

Number of opportunities in which the behavior is demonstrated, out of a fixed number.

Measurement method

An adult observes and records the defined behavior during a specified activity.

Mastery rule
Timeframe and monitoring

You can type a date, such as “By May 15, 2027”.

Match the schedule to the skill. Fluency often uses weekly probes. Writing rubrics may be scored every few weeks.

Live goal preview

By the annual IEP review date, when a multi-step direction is given to the whole class, the student will follow the steps of the group direction in the order given without an individual repetition of the direction in at least 8 of 10 opportunities, across 3 consecutive weeks, as measured by direct observation collected daily during two selected routines.

Baseline: 3 of 10 opportunities.

  • Condition
  • Observable behavior
  • Criterion
  • Measurement method
Add objectivesMatching data sheet

Measurability check10 of 10 met

All structural checks are met.

  • Met: Observable behavior. The behavior is stated as an action.

  • Met: Condition. The goal states when or under what conditions the behavior occurs.

  • Met: Unit fits the behavior. Opportunities is a reasonable way to quantify this behavior.

  • Met: Explicit criterion. The success criterion is stated with a number and unit.

  • Met: Mastery rule and schedule. Mastery rule and collection schedule are stated.

  • Met: Method produces the metric. Direct observation can produce opportunities data.

  • Met: Review timeframe. The goal includes a timeframe.

  • Met: Baseline and target compatible. Baseline and target use the same unit and show change in the intended direction.

  • Met: Aligned with area of need. The wording still relates to Following Multi-Step Directions.

  • Met: Level of support. The level of support is defined.

What this checks: the goal's structure and wording, using fixed rules: observable behavior, condition, criterion, method, mastery rule, timeframe, baseline/target consistency, and support. It can't judge whether the goal is appropriate, ambitious enough, or legally sufficient for a particular student. That requires assessment data and the IEP team.

About this template
Level guidance
For students who follow directions given individually but whose present levels show they miss directions given to the class. Present levels, not grade, decide fit.
Baseline considerations
Observe group directions across routines and subjects. Record whether the student completed all steps, waited to watch peers, or asked for an individual repeat. Compare with performance on individually delivered directions.
Usage notes
Use when the gap is between individual and group delivery. Score an opportunity met only if the student completes every step without an individual repeat. Watching a peer is a support level; note when it is used.
Known limitations
Group directions are not planned probes, so their complexity varies; log the number of steps in each. Noise and seating affect performance and should be noted.
Source
Original IEP Atlas draft (AI-assisted) based on general measurement principles; not copied from any goal bank. Template ID ef-dir-003.

Short-term objectives (optional)

When are objectives required?

Federal IDEA regulations require benchmarks or short-term objectives only for students who take alternate assessments aligned to alternate academic achievement standards (34 CFR §300.320(a)(2)(ii)). Your state or district may require them more broadly.

Build objectives by

Matching data sheet

Opportunity tracker. Your goal counts opportunities, so the sheet has 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 weeks
Collection schedule:
daily during two selected routines
Method:
Direct observation
Data collector:
 

Goal: By the annual IEP review date, when a multi-step direction is given to the whole class, the student will follow the steps of the group direction in the order given without an individual repetition of the direction in at least 8 of 10 opportunities, across 3 consecutive weeks, as measured by direct observation collected daily during two selected routines.

Key: + demonstrated independently · P demonstrated with a prompt (note type) · − not demonstrated · NA no opportunity occurred

Opportunity tracker
DateActivity / context12345678910# + (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 for the calculated columns. Sheets are blank: IEP Atlas doesn't store student data.

Preview
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