Explain the meaning of figurative language in context
Live goal preview
By the annual IEP review date, given 10 figurative expressions (idioms, similes, and metaphors) presented in a short spoken or written context, the student will explain the intended meaning of each figurative expression using clues from the context independently with at least 80% accuracy on figurative expressions presented in context, across 3 consecutive therapy sessions, as measured by opportunity-by-opportunity data collected during each therapy session.
Baseline: 30% accuracy.
- 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. Percent accuracy 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. Opportunity (trial) recording can produce percent accuracy 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 Receptive Language.
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 interpret idioms, similes, and metaphors literally, which affects access to middle school texts and conversations. Present levels, a language assessment, and classroom work samples, not grade, decide fit. For figurative language in social situations, see sl-prag-003.
- Baseline considerations
- Probe 10 or more unfamiliar expressions of each type in context and record literal, partially correct, and correct explanations. Ask whether the student knows the expression already, since familiar idioms may be memorized rather than interpreted.
- Usage notes
- Score an explanation correct when it states the intended (nonliteral) meaning in the student's own words; a literal explanation is incorrect. Use mostly unfamiliar expressions for progress probes so the score reflects the strategy of using context. Accept written or typed explanations.
- Known limitations
- Cultural and linguistic background strongly affect familiarity with idioms; English learners may know equivalent expressions in their home language. Explanations require expressive language, so a multiple-choice format may better isolate the receptive skill.
- Source
- Original IEP Atlas draft (AI-assisted) based on general measurement principles; not copied from any goal bank. Template ID
sl-rec-005.
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.
Matching data sheet
Accuracy tracker. Your goal is scored as percent correct, so the sheet records number correct and number attempted.
Accuracy tracker
Percent accuracy- Student label:
- Target:
- with at least 80% accuracy on figurative expressions presented in context
- 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 figurative expressions (idioms, similes, and metaphors) presented in a short spoken or written context, the student will explain the intended meaning of each figurative expression using clues from the context independently with at least 80% accuracy on figurative expressions presented in context, 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 for the calculated columns. Sheets are blank: IEP Atlas doesn't store student data.