Answer either-or questions about pictures
When to use this goal
For young students who are starting to answer questions and who often repeat the last word they hear. Either-or questions ("Is the dog big or little?") are an early question type that builds toward open wh- questions. Base the choice on the SLP's observation of how the student responds to questions.
- Baseline
- Ask 10 either-or questions and put the correct choice second in half of them. A student who always picks the last word will score about 50% with a clear pattern; record which position each answer came from so you can see it.
- Tips
- Balance the position of the correct answer and vary the words so the student cannot guess. Score correct when the answer matches the picture, said or signed. Once the student is accurate, move to open questions (sl-exp-007) by asking the question first and offering the choice only if needed.
- Limits
- Choice questions lower the expressive load, so accuracy does not show that the student can answer open questions. Students who echo may need the pictured choices longer. The goal does not cover choices for requesting, which are functional communication goals.
Original IEP Atlas template based on general measurement principles; not copied from any goal bank. ID sl-exp-027.
Sign in to add this goal to a student.
Goal
By the annual IEP review date, given 10 picture cards, each with an either-or question about what is shown (such as "Is the baby sleeping or eating?"), the student will answer each question by saying or signing the choice that matches the picture independently with at least 85% accuracy on either-or questions, across 3 consecutive therapy sessions, as measured by opportunity-by-opportunity data collected during each therapy session.
Baseline: 40% accuracy.
- 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. Percent accuracy 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 percent accuracy 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 Expressive Language.
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
- Speech & Language - Expressive Language
- Baseline
- 40% accuracy.
- Annual goal436 characters
- By the annual IEP review date, given 10 picture cards, each with an either-or question about what is shown (such as "Is the baby sleeping or eating?"), the student will answer each question by saying or signing the choice that matches the picture independently with at least 85% accuracy on either-or questions, across 3 consecutive therapy sessions, as measured by opportunity-by-opportunity data collected during each therapy session.
- Timeframe
- By the annual IEP review date
- Condition
- Given 10 picture cards, each with an either-or question about what is shown (such as "Is the baby sleeping or eating?")
- Behavior
- The student will answer each question by saying or signing the choice that matches the picture independently
- Criteria
- With at least 85% accuracy on either-or questions, across 3 consecutive therapy sessions
- Evaluation method
- Opportunity-by-opportunity data
- Schedule
- During each therapy session
Copied as plain text, with straight quotes and plain dashes.
Matching data sheet
Accuracy tracker. Records number correct and number attempted.
Accuracy tracker
Percent accuracy- Student label:
- Target:
- with at least 85% accuracy on either-or questions
- Mastery rule:
- across 3 consecutive therapy sessions
- Collection schedule:
- during each therapy session
- Method:
- Opportunity (trial) recording
- Data collector:
Goal: By the annual IEP review date, given 10 picture cards, each with an either-or question about what is shown (such as "Is the baby sleeping or eating?"), the student will answer each question by saying or signing the choice that matches the picture independently with at least 85% accuracy on either-or questions, across 3 consecutive therapy sessions, as measured by opportunity-by-opportunity data collected during each therapy session.
| Date | Task / materials | # correct | # attempted | % accuracycorrect ÷ attempted × 100 | Support levele.g., independent, 1 verbal prompt | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Preview shows 4 of 12 rows.
- Score only items the student attempted unless the goal defines a fixed set of items. Use the same denominator every session.
- Percent = numerator ÷ denominator × 100. Round to one decimal place.
- Record the support actually provided, even if the goal is independent performance.
The CSV opens in Excel or Google Sheets, with formulas. Sheets print blank; no student data is stored.