Post an on-topic message in a class discussion or group chat
When to use this goal
For students who never post in class discussion boards or moderated group chats, or who post off-topic or one-word messages. Base the choice on platform participation logs. Writing support (voice typing, a sentence frame) is part of the condition, not a crutch.
- Baseline
- Review the last 3 discussion assignments or chat sessions for the student's posts and code each as on-topic with an idea, one word only, off-topic, or none. Ask the student what stops them from posting (not knowing what to say, worry about mistakes, typing). Check that the platform is accessible with the student's tools.
- Tips
- Count a post when it relates to the current topic or question and contains at least one complete idea; a reply to a peer counts. Off-topic and single-word posts are recorded but not counted. Teachers should respond to the student's first posts so posting pays off. Voice typing and spelling tools are allowed; the post's content, not its mechanics, is scored.
- Limits
- Discussion assignments vary in how much there is to say; keep the format similar. Logs show posts, not the thinking behind them. This goal is about participation in a moderated school space, not social media use, which belongs to safety and family rules.
Original IEP Atlas template based on general measurement principles; not copied from any goal bank. ID se-com-022.
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Goal
By the annual IEP review date, during a class discussion-board assignment or a moderated class group chat, the student will post a message that responds to the current topic or question with at least one complete idea independently at least 2 times per discussion assignment or chat session, across 3 consecutive discussions, as measured by frequency recording collected each discussion assignment, from platform logs.
Baseline: 0 times per discussion assignment or chat session.
- 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. Frequency fits this behavior.
Met: Explicit criterion. Number and unit stated.
Met: Mastery rule and schedule. Both stated.
Met: Method produces the metric. Frequency (event) recording gives frequency 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 Functional Communication.
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
- Social-Emotional & Communication - Functional Communication
- Baseline
- 0 times per discussion assignment or chat session.
- Annual goal418 characters
- By the annual IEP review date, during a class discussion-board assignment or a moderated class group chat, the student will post a message that responds to the current topic or question with at least one complete idea independently at least 2 times per discussion assignment or chat session, across 3 consecutive discussions, as measured by frequency recording collected each discussion assignment, from platform logs.
- Timeframe
- By the annual IEP review date
- Condition
- During a class discussion-board assignment or a moderated class group chat
- Behavior
- The student will post a message that responds to the current topic or question with at least one complete idea independently
- Criteria
- At least 2 times per discussion assignment or chat session, across 3 consecutive discussions
- Evaluation method
- Frequency recording
- Schedule
- Each discussion assignment, from platform logs
Copied as plain text, with straight quotes and plain dashes.
Matching data sheet
Frequency & rate tracker. Records the count and the observation length.
Frequency & rate tracker
Frequency- Student label:
- Target:
- at least 2 times per discussion assignment or chat session
- Mastery rule:
- across 3 consecutive discussions
- Collection schedule:
- each discussion assignment, from platform logs
- Method:
- Frequency (event) recording
- Data collector:
Goal: By the annual IEP review date, during a class discussion-board assignment or a moderated class group chat, the student will post a message that responds to the current topic or question with at least one complete idea independently at least 2 times per discussion assignment or chat session, across 3 consecutive discussions, as measured by frequency recording collected each discussion assignment, from platform logs.
| Date | Observation period (start–end) | Minutes observed | Activity / context | Count (tally) | Rate per minutecount ÷ minutes (only if periods vary) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Preview shows 4 of 12 rows.
- Count each occurrence of the defined behavior per discussion assignment or chat session.
- Keep the observation length the same each session. If it varies, compare rate per minute, not raw counts.
- Write the behavior definition at the top of the sheet so all data collectors count the same thing.
The CSV opens in Excel or Google Sheets, with formulas. Sheets print blank; no student data is stored.