Locate letters on a keyboard
When to use this goal
For students who use a keyboard or tablet for writing or AAC and whose present levels show long searches for each letter. Base the choice on the student's access needs and current keyboard data; it is often written for older students for whom typing is the main writing route.
- Baseline
- Dictate letters at the student's pace for 1 minute on three days and count correct key presses; use the median. Record which letters take longest and whether the student uses one finger, two hands, or an alternative access method. Keep the keyboard layout and device identical across probes.
- Tips
- Writes well for students with handwriting needs or who use an AAC device with a keyboard page. Coordinate with the occupational therapist or assistive technology specialist on access method. This goal measures locating keys, not typing words; move to a typing goal when letter location is automatic.
- Limits
- Rate depends on access method; a student using a head pointer or switch scanning should have a target set from that method's baseline, not a typical typing rate. Letter location on a QWERTY keyboard is a different skill from alphabetical order. Does not measure spelling.
Original IEP Atlas template based on general measurement principles; not copied from any goal bank. ID rd-let-018.
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Goal
By the annual IEP review date, given a 1-minute probe of dictated letter names and a standard keyboard, the student will press the key for each dictated letter independently at a rate of at least 25 letters correct per minute, in 3 of 4 consecutive weekly probes, as measured by timed probes collected weekly.
Baseline: 8 letters correct per minute.
- 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. Rate (per minute) fits this behavior.
Met: Explicit criterion. Number and unit stated.
Met: Mastery rule and schedule. Both stated.
Met: Method produces the metric. Timed probes gives rate (per minute) 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 Letter Names & Sounds.
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
- Reading - Letter Names & Sounds
- Baseline
- 8 letters correct per minute.
- Annual goal309 characters
- By the annual IEP review date, given a 1-minute probe of dictated letter names and a standard keyboard, the student will press the key for each dictated letter independently at a rate of at least 25 letters correct per minute, in 3 of 4 consecutive weekly probes, as measured by timed probes collected weekly.
- Timeframe
- By the annual IEP review date
- Condition
- Given a 1-minute probe of dictated letter names and a standard keyboard
- Behavior
- The student will press the key for each dictated letter independently
- Criteria
- At a rate of at least 25 letters correct per minute, in 3 of 4 consecutive weekly probes
- Evaluation method
- Timed probes
- Schedule
- Weekly
Copied as plain text, with straight quotes and plain dashes.
Matching data sheet
Frequency & rate tracker. Records timing length and number correct.
Frequency & rate tracker
Rate (per minute)- Student label:
- Target:
- at a rate of at least 25 letters correct per minute
- Mastery rule:
- in 3 of 4 consecutive weekly probes
- Collection schedule:
- weekly
- Method:
- Timed probes
- Data collector:
Goal: By the annual IEP review date, given a 1-minute probe of dictated letter names and a standard keyboard, the student will press the key for each dictated letter independently at a rate of at least 25 letters correct per minute, in 3 of 4 consecutive weekly probes, as measured by timed probes collected weekly.
| Date | Probe / form | Timing (min) | # correct | # errors | Correct per minute# correct ÷ minutes | Support levele.g., independent, 1 verbal prompt | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Preview shows 4 of 12 rows.
- Use the same timing length and probe type every session.
- Rate = number correct ÷ minutes timed.
- Target unit: letters correct per minute.
The CSV opens in Excel or Google Sheets, with formulas. Sheets print blank; no student data is stored.