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Use a named problem-solving sequence when a disagreement occurs

Unreviewed draft3-5, 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 disagreement with a peer occurs during unstructured times, the student will use the steps of their taught problem-solving sequence (stop, say the problem, suggest a solution, agree or get an adult) independently in at least 4 of 5 opportunities, across 3 consecutive weeks, as measured by direct observation collected weekly, supplemented by staff incident notes.

Baseline: 1 of 5 opportunities.

  • Condition
  • Observable behavior
  • Criterion
  • Measurement method

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 Conflict Resolution.

  • 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 can describe conflict steps when calm but don't use them during real disagreements. Present levels, discipline or incident data, and observation, not grade, decide fit. Teach the same named sequence the school already uses if there is one.
Baseline considerations
Review incident or office referral data and observe unstructured times to estimate how often disagreements occur and what the student currently does. Check whether the student can name and role-play the steps when calm; if not, start with the role-play condition.
Usage notes
A disagreement is an exchange in which the student and a peer state or act on incompatible wants (e.g., both want the same ball, disagree about rules). Score correct when the student completes all steps in order, with any step that involves an adult counted as successful. Train recess and lunch staff in the same step names and cue.
Known limitations
Naturally occurring disagreements are unpredictable and often unobserved; staff reports may need a simple form. The goal measures the student's use of the steps, not whether the peer cooperated.
Source
Original IEP Atlas draft (AI-assisted) based on general measurement principles; not copied from any goal bank. Template ID se-cr-001.

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.

The CSV opens in Excel or Google Sheets with formulas for the calculated columns. Sheets are blank: IEP Atlas doesn't store student data.

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