The four critical components of a well-written goal are:
Timeframe is usually specified in the number of weeks or a certain date for completion. A year is the maximum allowed length for the timeframe.
§ In 36 instructional weeks…
§ By November 19, 2008….
§ By the end of 2008-09 school year…
Conditions specify the circumstances that prompt the child’s performance of an observable behavior. Conditions are dependent on the behavior being measured and involve the application of skills or knowledge.
§ When presented with 2nd grade level text…
§ Given a mixed 4th grade level math calculation probe….
§ Given a story prompt and 30 minutes to write…
Conditions may also integrate a related service:
§ Given appropriate equipment……..
§ Given assistive technology……..
§ Given a pencil grip……….
Behavior clearly identifies the performance that is being monitored, usually reflects an action or can be directly observed, and is measurable.
§ Sarah will read…
§ Claude will write the correct solutions…
§ Mary will score…
§ Tom will participate in the group….
§ Jane will indicate her wants and needs…..
§ Chris will write……
Criterion identifies how much, how often, or to what standards the behavior must occur in order to demonstrate that the goal has been reached. The goal criterion specifies the amount of growth the child or youth is expected to make by the end of the annual goal period.
§ 96 words per minute with 5 or fewer errors.
§ 85% or more correct for all problems presented.
§ Earning 4 or better when graded according to the 6-trait writing rubric.
ANNUAL GOAL EXAMPLE
Assume your child is in the fifth grade. Alexa's reading skills are at the early third grade level. Here is a specific, measurable, time-limited goal that tells you what Alexa can do now and what she will be able to do after one year of special education:
Present level of performance: Given third grade material, Alexa reads 50-70 wpm with 4-6 errors.
Annual goal: Given fifth grade material, Alexa will read 120 wpm with only random errors.
To ensure that Alexa meets her goal, we will measure her progress at nine-week intervals (4 times during the school year).
After 9 weeks, given third grade material, Alexa will read 110 to 120 wpm with 1-3 errors.
After 18 weeks, given fourth grade material, Alexa will read 70-100 wpm with 1-3 errors.
After 27 weeks, given fifth grade material, Alexa will read 70-100 wpm with 1-3 errors.
At the end of the year, Alexa will read 120 wpm with only random errors. (Wright & Wright, 2013)
Timeframe is usually specified in the number of weeks or a certain date for completion. A year is the maximum allowed length for the timeframe.
§ In 36 instructional weeks…
§ By November 19, 2008….
§ By the end of 2008-09 school year…
Conditions specify the circumstances that prompt the child’s performance of an observable behavior. Conditions are dependent on the behavior being measured and involve the application of skills or knowledge.
§ When presented with 2nd grade level text…
§ Given a mixed 4th grade level math calculation probe….
§ Given a story prompt and 30 minutes to write…
Conditions may also integrate a related service:
§ Given appropriate equipment……..
§ Given assistive technology……..
§ Given a pencil grip……….
Behavior clearly identifies the performance that is being monitored, usually reflects an action or can be directly observed, and is measurable.
§ Sarah will read…
§ Claude will write the correct solutions…
§ Mary will score…
§ Tom will participate in the group….
§ Jane will indicate her wants and needs…..
§ Chris will write……
Criterion identifies how much, how often, or to what standards the behavior must occur in order to demonstrate that the goal has been reached. The goal criterion specifies the amount of growth the child or youth is expected to make by the end of the annual goal period.
§ 96 words per minute with 5 or fewer errors.
§ 85% or more correct for all problems presented.
§ Earning 4 or better when graded according to the 6-trait writing rubric.
ANNUAL GOAL EXAMPLE
Assume your child is in the fifth grade. Alexa's reading skills are at the early third grade level. Here is a specific, measurable, time-limited goal that tells you what Alexa can do now and what she will be able to do after one year of special education:
Present level of performance: Given third grade material, Alexa reads 50-70 wpm with 4-6 errors.
Annual goal: Given fifth grade material, Alexa will read 120 wpm with only random errors.
To ensure that Alexa meets her goal, we will measure her progress at nine-week intervals (4 times during the school year).
After 9 weeks, given third grade material, Alexa will read 110 to 120 wpm with 1-3 errors.
After 18 weeks, given fourth grade material, Alexa will read 70-100 wpm with 1-3 errors.
After 27 weeks, given fifth grade material, Alexa will read 70-100 wpm with 1-3 errors.
At the end of the year, Alexa will read 120 wpm with only random errors. (Wright & Wright, 2013)