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Name the category and find the one that does not belong

PK, K-2OpportunitiesTemplateReview and individualize before use. How templates are made
When to use this goal

For young students whose word knowledge is a list of labels without groupings, which shows in present levels as difficulty answering what kind of thing something is. Category knowledge organizes vocabulary and supports later comprehension. Base the choice on language data.

Baseline
Confirm the student names the pictures first. Use clear categories (animals, foods, clothing, vehicles) at baseline and score the odd-one-out and the category name as separate responses. Note whether the student can sort but not name the group, which is common.
Tips
Fits circle time, sorting centers, and speech sessions. Move from concrete categories to functional ones (things that cut, things you wear in winter). Pair with the sorting goal for older students.
Limits
Some items belong to more than one category (a tomato); choose items with care. Category naming depends on expressive language; the pointing response avoids this. Does not measure new word learning.

Original IEP Atlas template based on general measurement principles; not copied from any goal bank. ID rd-voc-008.

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Student

How the goal refers to the student

Skill

What the student will do

Something an adult can see, count or time.

Condition

When or under what conditions

Support

Support allowed

Criterion

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

Sample numbers. Replace them with the student's data.

Criterion wording

Data collection

Each planned or naturally occurring opportunity is recorded as correct/independent, prompted, or not demonstrated.

How often data are collected
Mastery rule

How many measurements must meet the criterion.

Timeframe

Timeframe

Goal

By the annual IEP review date, given 4 pictures, 3 from one category and 1 from another, the student will point to the picture that does not belong and name the category of the others independently in at least 8 of 10 opportunities, across 3 consecutive sessions, as measured by opportunity-by-opportunity data collected twice weekly.

Baseline: 3 of 10 opportunities.

  • Condition
  • Observable behavior
  • Criterion
  • Measurement method

ObjectivesCopy by fieldData sheet

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 Vocabulary.

  • 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.

Build objectives by

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 - Vocabulary
Baseline
3 of 10 opportunities.
Annual goal334 characters
By the annual IEP review date, given 4 pictures, 3 from one category and 1 from another, the student will point to the picture that does not belong and name the category of the others independently in at least 8 of 10 opportunities, across 3 consecutive sessions, as measured by opportunity-by-opportunity data collected twice weekly.
Timeframe
By the annual IEP review date
Condition
Given 4 pictures, 3 from one category and 1 from another
Behavior
The student will point to the picture that does not belong and name the category of the others independently
Criteria
In at least 8 of 10 opportunities, across 3 consecutive sessions
Evaluation method
Opportunity-by-opportunity data
Schedule
Twice weekly

Copied as plain text, with straight quotes and plain dashes.

Matching data sheet

Opportunity tracker. One box per opportunity in each session.

The CSV opens in Excel or Google Sheets, with formulas. Sheets print blank; no student data is stored.