Follow directions that contain not, except, and only
When to use this goal
For students who follow positive directions but miss negatives and exceptions ("Pick up everything except the red ones," "Don't touch the blue one," "Only the tall ones"), which leads to errors that look like noncompliance. Base the choice on observation.
- Baseline
- Give 10 positive directions and 10 with negatives or exceptions using the same objects and compare; a large gap confirms the target. Record which term causes most errors (not is usually easier than except and only). Confirm the attribute words used (red, tall) are known.
- Tips
- List the terms in the condition. Score correct when the result exactly matches the direction (nothing excluded that should be included, and the reverse) after one presentation. Use sets of objects where the exception changes the result clearly. Share this pattern with the classroom teacher so errors are not read as refusal.
- Limits
- These directions load memory and inhibition as well as language; some students know the words and still act on the first thing they hear. Scores depend on set size; keep it at four to six objects.
Original IEP Atlas template based on general measurement principles; not copied from any goal bank. ID sl-rec-023.
Sign in to add this goal to a student.
Goal
By the annual IEP review date, given 10 spoken directions with objects that contain not, except, only, or all but, for 10 items, the student will carry out the direction, leaving out exactly the items the negative or exception excludes independently with at least 85% accuracy on directions with negation or exceptions, across 3 consecutive therapy sessions, as measured by opportunity-by-opportunity data collected during each therapy session.
Baseline: 35% 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 Receptive 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 - Receptive Language
- Baseline
- 35% accuracy.
- Annual goal444 characters
- By the annual IEP review date, given 10 spoken directions with objects that contain not, except, only, or all but, for 10 items, the student will carry out the direction, leaving out exactly the items the negative or exception excludes independently with at least 85% accuracy on directions with negation or exceptions, 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 spoken directions with objects that contain not, except, only, or all but, for 10 items
- Behavior
- The student will carry out the direction, leaving out exactly the items the negative or exception excludes independently
- Criteria
- With at least 85% accuracy on directions with negation or exceptions, 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 directions with negation or exceptions
- 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 spoken directions with objects that contain not, except, only, or all but, for 10 items, the student will carry out the direction, leaving out exactly the items the negative or exception excludes independently with at least 85% accuracy on directions with negation or exceptions, 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.