Keep a running balance in a check register
When to use this goal
For middle school students learning how a balance changes with each deposit and purchase, before they have an account. A paper or spreadsheet register works; present levels in subtraction with a calculator decide fit, not grade.
- Baseline
- Give 2 or 3 short probes with real-looking documents at the student's reading level, allowing the calculator the student will use as an adult. Score each item right or wrong and note the error type (reading the document, choosing the operation, or calculation). Score the entry and the balance on each line; one early error can carry forward, so rescore later lines from the student's own balance.
- Tips
- Older students can move to the bank app's balance once the idea of a running balance is solid.
- Limits
- Registers are less common now; the goal teaches the running-balance idea that apps use.
Original IEP Atlas template based on general measurement principles; not copied from any goal bank. ID tn-pf-015.
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Goal
By the annual IEP review date, given a starting balance, 8 to 10 transaction cards (deposits and purchases), a register sheet, and a calculator, the student will record each transaction and the new balance in the register independently with at least 85% accuracy on register entries and running balances, in 3 of 4 consecutive weekly probes, as measured by work-sample analysis collected weekly.
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. Work-sample analysis 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 Personal Finance & Money Management.
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
- Transition & Postsecondary Skills - Personal Finance & Money Management
- Baseline
- 40% accuracy.
- Annual goal395 characters
- By the annual IEP review date, given a starting balance, 8 to 10 transaction cards (deposits and purchases), a register sheet, and a calculator, the student will record each transaction and the new balance in the register independently with at least 85% accuracy on register entries and running balances, in 3 of 4 consecutive weekly probes, as measured by work-sample analysis collected weekly.
- Timeframe
- By the annual IEP review date
- Condition
- Given a starting balance, 8 to 10 transaction cards (deposits and purchases), a register sheet, and a calculator
- Behavior
- The student will record each transaction and the new balance in the register independently
- Criteria
- With at least 85% accuracy on register entries and running balances, in 3 of 4 consecutive weekly probes
- Evaluation method
- Work-sample analysis
- Schedule
- Weekly
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 register entries and running balances
- Mastery rule:
- in 3 of 4 consecutive weekly probes
- Collection schedule:
- weekly
- Method:
- Work-sample analysis
- Data collector:
Goal: By the annual IEP review date, given a starting balance, 8 to 10 transaction cards (deposits and purchases), a register sheet, and a calculator, the student will record each transaction and the new balance in the register independently with at least 85% accuracy on register entries and running balances, in 3 of 4 consecutive weekly probes, as measured by work-sample analysis collected weekly.
| 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.