The IEP Goal BankMeasurable examples · U.S. K-12

Section 4 of 6

Behavior IEP Goals: 50 Examples by Grade

Draft a goal for your studentLast updated October 5, 2026

This page has 50 behavior IEP goals written as observable actions: starting work, asking for a break, following a direction, or completing a task. Each one includes a measurement method such as event recording or a point card.

Replacement behaviors are preferred over goals that only say a problem behavior will decrease. A goal should tell staff what the student will do instead.

Grade

50 entries

Routines and following directions

  1. 001

    PreK-K · following directions

    Within 36 instructional weeks, given a one-step classroom direction, [Student] will follow a one-step direction within 40 seconds on 4 of 5 opportunities across 4 consecutive school days.

    Present level
    Currently, [Student] is able to follow a one-step direction after about 90 seconds on most opportunities.

    1. 1By the first progress review, given a one-step classroom direction, with a visual cue, [Student] will follow a one-step direction within 90 seconds on 4 of 5 opportunities across 3 consecutive school days.
    2. 2By the second progress review, given a one-step classroom direction, during an unscheduled class period, [Student] will follow a one-step direction within 60 seconds on 4 of 5 opportunities across 3 consecutive school days.

    Measurement
    latency recording

  2. 002

    PreK-K · transitions

    By the annual review date, given a visual timer and a posted next activity, [Student] will move to the next activity when the timer ends within 50 seconds on 4 of 5 opportunities across 4 consecutive school days.

    Present level
    Currently, [Student] is able to move to the next activity when the timer ends after about 90 seconds on most opportunities.

    1. 1By the first progress review, given a visual timer and a posted next activity, with a visual countdown, [Student] will move to the next activity when the timer ends within 100 seconds on 4 of 5 opportunities across 3 consecutive school days.
    2. 2By the second progress review, given a visual timer and a posted next activity, in a setting the student does not choose, [Student] will move to the next activity when the timer ends within 70 seconds on 4 of 5 opportunities across 3 consecutive school days.

    Measurement
    latency recording

  3. 003

    PreK-K · safe body

    By the end of the IEP period, given a 10-minute carpet activity and a posted stop signal, [Student] will keep hands and feet to self during a carpet activity on all opportunities across 5 consecutive drills.

    Present level
    Currently, [Student] is able to keep hands and feet to self during a carpet activity on about 3 of 5 drill opportunities.

    1. 1By the first progress review, given a 10-minute carpet activity and a posted stop signal, with the routine explained once, [Student] will keep hands and feet to self during a carpet activity on all opportunities across 2 consecutive drills.
    2. 2By the second progress review, given a 10-minute carpet activity and a posted stop signal, with a different adult and no visual cue, [Student] will keep hands and feet to self during a carpet activity on all opportunities across 4 consecutive drills.

    Measurement
    safety drill checklist

  4. 004

    1-2 · classroom expectations

    Within 36 instructional weeks, given a whole-group lesson, [Student] will raise a hand and wait to be called on before speaking during 75% of observed opportunities across 5 consecutive school days.

    Present level
    Currently, [Student] is able to raise a hand and wait to be called on before speaking on about 25% of observed opportunities.

    1. 1By the first progress review, given a whole-group lesson, with a visual cue, [Student] will raise a hand and wait to be called on before speaking during 45% of observed opportunities across 3 consecutive school days.
    2. 2By the second progress review, given a whole-group lesson, with a new adult and a moved seating location, [Student] will raise a hand and wait to be called on before speaking during 60% of observed opportunities across 3 consecutive school days.

    Measurement
    opportunity recording

  5. 005

    1-2 · routines

    By the end of the IEP period, given a hallway transition and a posted voice cue, [Student] will walk in the hallway with a quiet voice during 70% of observed opportunities across 4 consecutive school days.

    Present level
    Currently, [Student] is able to walk in the hallway with a quiet voice on about 25% of observed opportunities.

    1. 1By the first progress review, given a hallway transition and a posted voice cue, with one verbal prompt, [Student] will walk in the hallway with a quiet voice during 40% of observed opportunities across 3 consecutive school days.
    2. 2By the second progress review, given a hallway transition and a posted voice cue, in a setting the student does not choose, [Student] will walk in the hallway with a quiet voice during 55% of observed opportunities across 3 consecutive school days.

    Measurement
    opportunity recording

  6. 006

    PreK-K · waiting

    Within 36 instructional weeks, given a turn-taking game and a wait card, [Student] will wait for a turn during a game within 40 seconds on 4 of 5 opportunities across 4 consecutive school days.

    Present level
    Currently, [Student] is able to wait for a turn during a game after about 90 seconds on most opportunities.

    1. 1By the first progress review, given a turn-taking game and a wait card, with a visual cue, [Student] will wait for a turn during a game within 90 seconds on 4 of 5 opportunities across 3 consecutive school days.
    2. 2By the second progress review, given a turn-taking game and a wait card, with a new adult in another room, [Student] will wait for a turn during a game within 60 seconds on 4 of 5 opportunities across 3 consecutive school days.

    Measurement
    latency recording

  7. 007

    PreK-K · routines

    By the annual review date, given a clean-up direction and labeled bins, [Student] will put materials away when given the clean-up direction during 80% of observed opportunities across 5 consecutive school days.

    Present level
    Currently, [Student] is able to put materials away when given the clean-up direction on about 25% of observed opportunities.

    1. 1By the first progress review, given a clean-up direction and labeled bins, with a check of the first step, [Student] will put materials away when given the clean-up direction during 50% of observed opportunities across 3 consecutive school days.
    2. 2By the second progress review, given a clean-up direction and labeled bins, with the same adult in an unscheduled setting, [Student] will put materials away when given the clean-up direction during 65% of observed opportunities across 3 consecutive school days.

    Measurement
    opportunity recording

  8. 008

    6-8 · routines

    By the end of the IEP period, given the class start routine and a warm-up on the board, [Student] will enter class, sit, and start the warm-up within 20 seconds on 4 of 5 opportunities across 4 consecutive school days.

    Present level
    Currently, [Student] is able to enter class, sit, and start the warm-up after about 90 seconds on most opportunities.

    1. 1By the first progress review, given the class start routine and a warm-up on the board, with one verbal prompt, [Student] will enter class, sit, and start the warm-up within 70 seconds on 4 of 5 opportunities across 3 consecutive school days.
    2. 2By the second progress review, given the class start routine and a warm-up on the board, during an unscheduled class period, [Student] will enter class, sit, and start the warm-up within 40 seconds on 4 of 5 opportunities across 3 consecutive school days.

    Measurement
    latency recording

  9. 009

    transition · following directions

    By the end of the IEP period, given one workplace-style direction, [Student] will follow a workplace-style direction the first time it is given during 70% of observed opportunities across 4 consecutive school days.

    Present level
    Currently, [Student] is able to follow a workplace-style direction the first time it is given on about 25% of observed opportunities.

    1. 1By the first progress review, given one workplace-style direction, with one verbal prompt, [Student] will follow a workplace-style direction the first time it is given during 40% of observed opportunities across 3 consecutive school days.
    2. 2By the second progress review, given one workplace-style direction, on a second day at the same work site, [Student] will follow a workplace-style direction the first time it is given during 55% of observed opportunities across 3 consecutive school days.

    Measurement
    opportunity recording

  10. 010

    9-12 · classroom expectations

    By the end of the IEP period, given a posted phone rule, [Student] will use a phone only during an approved time during 70% of observed opportunities across 5 consecutive school days.

    Present level
    Currently, [Student] is able to use a phone only during an approved time on about 25% of observed opportunities.

    1. 1By the first progress review, given a posted phone rule, with the task modeled once, [Student] will use a phone only during an approved time during 40% of observed opportunities across 3 consecutive school days.
    2. 2By the second progress review, given a posted phone rule, in a setting the student does not choose, [Student] will use a phone only during an approved time during 55% of observed opportunities across 3 consecutive school days.

    Measurement
    opportunity recording

  11. 011

    6-8 · safety

    Within 36 instructional weeks, given a posted route and a passing period, [Student] will use the expected route between classes on 100% of opportunities across 4 consecutive drills.

    Present level
    Currently, [Student] is able to use the expected route between classes on about 80% of drill opportunities.

    1. 1By the first progress review, given a posted route and a passing period, with a visual route posted, [Student] will use the expected route between classes on 100% of opportunities across 2 consecutive drills.
    2. 2By the second progress review, given a posted route and a passing period, with a different person at the counter, [Student] will use the expected route between classes on 100% of opportunities across 3 consecutive drills.

    Measurement
    safety drill checklist

  12. 012

    1-2 · routines

    By the annual review date, given a line-up direction, [Student] will line up and leave a safe space from peers during 80% of observed opportunities across 5 consecutive school days.

    Present level
    Currently, [Student] is able to line up and leave a safe space from peers on about 25% of observed opportunities.

    1. 1By the first progress review, given a line-up direction, with a check of the first step, [Student] will line up and leave a safe space from peers during 50% of observed opportunities across 3 consecutive school days.
    2. 2By the second progress review, given a line-up direction, with a new adult and a moved seating location, [Student] will line up and leave a safe space from peers during 65% of observed opportunities across 3 consecutive school days.

    Measurement
    opportunity recording

  13. 013

    3-5 · classroom expectations

    By the end of the IEP period, given a quiet signal taught to the class, [Student] will use a quiet signal to gain attention during 70% of observed opportunities across 4 consecutive school days.

    Present level
    Currently, [Student] is able to use a quiet signal to gain attention on about 25% of observed opportunities.

    1. 1By the first progress review, given a quiet signal taught to the class, with one verbal prompt, [Student] will use a quiet signal to gain attention during 40% of observed opportunities across 3 consecutive school days.
    2. 2By the second progress review, given a quiet signal taught to the class, with a different adult in a second setting, [Student] will use a quiet signal to gain attention during 55% of observed opportunities across 3 consecutive school days.

    Measurement
    opportunity recording

  14. 014

    PreK-K · safety

    By the end of the IEP period, given the class stop signal, [Student] will stop a hands-on behavior when given the class stop signal on all opportunities across 5 consecutive drills.

    Present level
    Currently, [Student] is able to stop a hands-on behavior when given the class stop signal on about 3 of 5 drill opportunities.

    1. 1By the first progress review, given the class stop signal, with the routine explained once, [Student] will stop a hands-on behavior when given the class stop signal on all opportunities across 2 consecutive drills.
    2. 2By the second progress review, given the class stop signal, with a different adult and no visual cue, [Student] will stop a hands-on behavior when given the class stop signal on all opportunities across 4 consecutive drills.

    Measurement
    safety drill checklist

Work habits and self-monitoring

  1. 015

    1-2 · work initiation

    By the end of the IEP period, given a classroom routine and one visual cue, [Student] will begin a teacher-assigned task after the direction within 40 seconds on 4 of 5 opportunities across 4 consecutive school days.

    Present level
    Currently, [Student] is able to begin a teacher-assigned task after the direction after about 90 seconds on most opportunities.

    1. 1By the first progress review, given a classroom routine and one visual cue, with a visual cue, [Student] will begin a teacher-assigned task after the direction within 90 seconds on 4 of 5 opportunities across 3 consecutive school days.
    2. 2By the second progress review, given a classroom routine and one visual cue, with a new adult and a moved seating location, [Student] will begin a teacher-assigned task after the direction within 60 seconds on 4 of 5 opportunities across 3 consecutive school days.

    Measurement
    latency recording

  2. 016

    1-2 · engagement

    Within 36 instructional weeks, given a posted class expectation, [Student] will remain in the assigned seat during independent work except for an approved break during 75% of observed opportunities across 5 consecutive school days.

    Present level
    Currently, [Student] is able to remain in the assigned seat during independent work except for an approved break on about 25% of observed opportunities.

    1. 1By the first progress review, given a posted class expectation, with a visual cue, [Student] will remain in the assigned seat during independent work except for an approved break during 45% of observed opportunities across 3 consecutive school days.
    2. 2By the second progress review, given a posted class expectation, with a different adult in a second setting, [Student] will remain in the assigned seat during independent work except for an approved break during 60% of observed opportunities across 3 consecutive school days.

    Measurement
    opportunity recording

  3. 017

    3-5 · work completion

    By the annual review date, given a 5-item task and a finished bin, [Student] will finish the assigned items before asking for a new task during 80% of observed opportunities across 4 consecutive school days.

    Present level
    Currently, [Student] is able to finish the assigned items before asking for a new task on about 25% of observed opportunities.

    1. 1By the first progress review, given a 5-item task and a finished bin, with a reminder card, [Student] will finish the assigned items before asking for a new task during 50% of observed opportunities across 3 consecutive school days.
    2. 2By the second progress review, given a 5-item task and a finished bin, with a different adult in a second setting, [Student] will finish the assigned items before asking for a new task during 65% of observed opportunities across 3 consecutive school days.

    Measurement
    opportunity recording

  4. 018

    3-5 · engagement

    By the annual review date, given a redirection and the original task, [Student] will return to work after a redirection within 30 seconds on 4 of 5 opportunities across 4 consecutive school days.

    Present level
    Currently, [Student] is able to return to work after a redirection after about 90 seconds on most opportunities.

    1. 1By the first progress review, given a redirection and the original task, with a timer visible, [Student] will return to work after a redirection within 80 seconds on 4 of 5 opportunities across 3 consecutive school days.
    2. 2By the second progress review, given a redirection and the original task, during an unscheduled class period, [Student] will return to work after a redirection within 50 seconds on 4 of 5 opportunities across 3 consecutive school days.

    Measurement
    latency recording

  5. 019

    3-5 · engagement

    By the annual review date, given independent work and a nearby peer conversation, [Student] will keep working when a peer talks nearby during 80% of observed opportunities across 4 consecutive school days.

    Present level
    Currently, [Student] is able to keep working when a peer talks nearby on about 25% of observed opportunities.

    1. 1By the first progress review, given independent work and a nearby peer conversation, with a reminder card, [Student] will keep working when a peer talks nearby during 50% of observed opportunities across 3 consecutive school days.
    2. 2By the second progress review, given independent work and a nearby peer conversation, with a new adult and a moved seating location, [Student] will keep working when a peer talks nearby during 65% of observed opportunities across 3 consecutive school days.

    Measurement
    opportunity recording

  6. 020

    6-8 · self-monitoring

    Within 36 instructional weeks, given a self-monitoring card during independent work, [Student] will mark on-task behavior on a card that matches the observer during 75% of observed opportunities across 5 consecutive school days.

    Present level
    Currently, [Student] is able to mark on-task behavior on a card that matches the observer on about 25% of observed opportunities.

    1. 1By the first progress review, given a self-monitoring card during independent work, with a visual cue, [Student] will mark on-task behavior on a card that matches the observer during 45% of observed opportunities across 3 consecutive school days.
    2. 2By the second progress review, given a self-monitoring card during independent work, in a setting the student does not choose, [Student] will mark on-task behavior on a card that matches the observer during 60% of observed opportunities across 3 consecutive school days.

    Measurement
    opportunity recording

  7. 021

    6-8 · organization

    By the annual review date, given a planner and an assignment posted on the board, [Student] will write the assignment and the due date in a planner during 80% of observed opportunities across 4 consecutive school days.

    Present level
    Currently, [Student] is able to write the assignment and the due date in a planner on about 25% of observed opportunities.

    1. 1By the first progress review, given a planner and an assignment posted on the board, with a reminder card, [Student] will write the assignment and the due date in a planner during 50% of observed opportunities across 3 consecutive school days.
    2. 2By the second progress review, given a planner and an assignment posted on the board, with a different adult and no visual cue, [Student] will write the assignment and the due date in a planner during 65% of observed opportunities across 3 consecutive school days.

    Measurement
    opportunity recording

  8. 022

    6-8 · work completion

    By the end of the IEP period, given a class period and a turn-in bin, [Student] will submit the assigned work by the end of the period during 70% of observed opportunities across 5 consecutive school days.

    Present level
    Currently, [Student] is able to submit the assigned work by the end of the period on about 25% of observed opportunities.

    1. 1By the first progress review, given a class period and a turn-in bin, with the task modeled once, [Student] will submit the assigned work by the end of the period during 40% of observed opportunities across 3 consecutive school days.
    2. 2By the second progress review, given a class period and a turn-in bin, with a new adult and a moved seating location, [Student] will submit the assigned work by the end of the period during 55% of observed opportunities across 3 consecutive school days.

    Measurement
    opportunity recording

  9. 023

    9-12 · organization

    Within 36 instructional weeks, given a posted materials list, [Student] will arrive before the bell with the required materials during 75% of observed opportunities across 5 consecutive school days.

    Present level
    Currently, [Student] is able to arrive before the bell with the required materials on about 25% of observed opportunities.

    1. 1By the first progress review, given a posted materials list, with a visual cue, [Student] will arrive before the bell with the required materials during 45% of observed opportunities across 3 consecutive school days.
    2. 2By the second progress review, given a posted materials list, during an unscheduled class period, [Student] will arrive before the bell with the required materials during 60% of observed opportunities across 3 consecutive school days.

    Measurement
    opportunity recording

  10. 024

    9-12 · work completion

    By the end of the IEP period, given a 4-step task list, [Student] will check off each step of a multi-step task during 70% of observed opportunities across 5 consecutive school days.

    Present level
    Currently, [Student] is able to check off each step of a multi-step task on about 25% of observed opportunities.

    1. 1By the first progress review, given a 4-step task list, with the task modeled once, [Student] will check off each step of a multi-step task during 40% of observed opportunities across 3 consecutive school days.
    2. 2By the second progress review, given a 4-step task list, with a different adult and no visual cue, [Student] will check off each step of a multi-step task during 55% of observed opportunities across 3 consecutive school days.

    Measurement
    opportunity recording

  11. 025

    transition · engagement

    Within 36 instructional weeks, given a job task and a posted expectation, [Student] will stay on a job task within 30 seconds on 4 of 5 opportunities across 4 consecutive school days.

    Present level
    Currently, [Student] is able to stay on a job task after about 90 seconds on most opportunities.

    1. 1By the first progress review, given a job task and a posted expectation, with a timer visible, [Student] will stay on a job task within 80 seconds on 4 of 5 opportunities across 3 consecutive school days.
    2. 2By the second progress review, given a job task and a posted expectation, with a supervisor present, [Student] will stay on a job task within 50 seconds on 4 of 5 opportunities across 3 consecutive school days.

    Measurement
    latency recording

  12. 026

    3-5 · work completion

    Within 36 instructional weeks, given a finished bin and a completed paper, [Student] will place completed work in the finished bin during 75% of observed opportunities across 5 consecutive school days.

    Present level
    Currently, [Student] is able to place completed work in the finished bin on about 25% of observed opportunities.

    1. 1By the first progress review, given a finished bin and a completed paper, with a visual cue, [Student] will place completed work in the finished bin during 45% of observed opportunities across 3 consecutive school days.
    2. 2By the second progress review, given a finished bin and a completed paper, with a new adult in another room, [Student] will place completed work in the finished bin during 60% of observed opportunities across 3 consecutive school days.

    Measurement
    opportunity recording

  13. 027

    6-8 · self-monitoring

    Within 36 instructional weeks, given a daily point card, [Student] will meet a daily point goal on a behavior card during 75% of observed opportunities across 4 consecutive school days.

    Present level
    Currently, [Student] is able to meet a daily point goal on a behavior card on about 25% of observed opportunities.

    1. 1By the first progress review, given a daily point card, with one gestural prompt, [Student] will meet a daily point goal on a behavior card during 45% of observed opportunities across 3 consecutive school days.
    2. 2By the second progress review, given a daily point card, in a setting the student does not choose, [Student] will meet a daily point goal on a behavior card during 60% of observed opportunities across 3 consecutive school days.

    Measurement
    opportunity recording

  14. 028

    6-8 · organization

    By the end of the IEP period, given a labeled binder, [Student] will store a paper in the named binder section during 70% of observed opportunities across 4 consecutive school days.

    Present level
    Currently, [Student] is able to store a paper in the named binder section on about 25% of observed opportunities.

    1. 1By the first progress review, given a labeled binder, with one verbal prompt, [Student] will store a paper in the named binder section during 40% of observed opportunities across 3 consecutive school days.
    2. 2By the second progress review, given a labeled binder, with a different person at the counter, [Student] will store a paper in the named binder section during 55% of observed opportunities across 3 consecutive school days.

    Measurement
    opportunity recording

  15. 029

    9-12 · work initiation

    Within 36 instructional weeks, given study hall and a homework list, [Student] will begin homework during study hall within 30 seconds on 4 of 5 opportunities across 4 consecutive school days.

    Present level
    Currently, [Student] is able to begin homework during study hall after about 90 seconds on most opportunities.

    1. 1By the first progress review, given study hall and a homework list, with a timer visible, [Student] will begin homework during study hall within 80 seconds on 4 of 5 opportunities across 3 consecutive school days.
    2. 2By the second progress review, given study hall and a homework list, with a different adult in a second setting, [Student] will begin homework during study hall within 50 seconds on 4 of 5 opportunities across 3 consecutive school days.

    Measurement
    latency recording

  16. 030

    transition · work habits

    By the end of the IEP period, given a clock-in routine and a station card, [Student] will start the assigned station after clock-in during 70% of observed opportunities across 5 consecutive school days.

    Present level
    Currently, [Student] is able to start the assigned station after clock-in on about 25% of observed opportunities.

    1. 1By the first progress review, given a clock-in routine and a station card, with the task modeled once, [Student] will start the assigned station after clock-in during 40% of observed opportunities across 3 consecutive school days.
    2. 2By the second progress review, given a clock-in routine and a station card, during a supervised break, [Student] will start the assigned station after clock-in during 55% of observed opportunities across 3 consecutive school days.

    Measurement
    opportunity recording

  17. 031

    9-12 · self-monitoring

    Within 36 instructional weeks, given the day's behavior data and a staff conference, [Student] will name one next step while reviewing the day's behavior data during 75% of observed opportunities across 5 consecutive school days.

    Present level
    Currently, [Student] is able to name one next step while reviewing the day's behavior data on about 25% of observed opportunities.

    1. 1By the first progress review, given the day's behavior data and a staff conference, with a visual cue, [Student] will name one next step while reviewing the day's behavior data during 45% of observed opportunities across 3 consecutive school days.
    2. 2By the second progress review, given the day's behavior data and a staff conference, with a new adult and a moved seating location, [Student] will name one next step while reviewing the day's behavior data during 60% of observed opportunities across 3 consecutive school days.

    Measurement
    opportunity recording

Replacement behaviors and self-regulation

  1. 032

    PreK-K · replacement behavior

    By the annual review date, given a denial of a preferred item and a calm-voice card, [Student] will use a calm voice when denied a preferred item during 80% of observed opportunities across 4 consecutive school days.

    Present level
    Currently, [Student] is able to use a calm voice when denied a preferred item on about 25% of observed opportunities.

    1. 1By the first progress review, given a denial of a preferred item and a calm-voice card, with a reminder card, [Student] will use a calm voice when denied a preferred item during 50% of observed opportunities across 3 consecutive school days.
    2. 2By the second progress review, given a denial of a preferred item and a calm-voice card, with a new adult in another room, [Student] will use a calm voice when denied a preferred item during 65% of observed opportunities across 3 consecutive school days.

    Measurement
    opportunity recording

  2. 033

    1-2 · replacement behavior

    By the end of the IEP period, given independent work and a break card on the desk, [Student] will request a break with a break card instead of leaving the area during 70% of observed opportunities across 5 consecutive school days.

    Present level
    Currently, [Student] is able to request a break with a break card instead of leaving the area on about 25% of observed opportunities.

    1. 1By the first progress review, given independent work and a break card on the desk, with the task modeled once, [Student] will request a break with a break card instead of leaving the area during 40% of observed opportunities across 3 consecutive school days.
    2. 2By the second progress review, given independent work and a break card on the desk, with the same adult in an unscheduled setting, [Student] will request a break with a break card instead of leaving the area during 55% of observed opportunities across 3 consecutive school days.

    Measurement
    opportunity recording

  3. 034

    3-5 · self-regulation

    By the end of the IEP period, given a coping card and an anger cue from staff, [Student] will use a taught coping strategy when shown an anger cue during 70% of observed opportunities across 5 consecutive school days.

    Present level
    Currently, [Student] is able to use a taught coping strategy when shown an anger cue on about 25% of observed opportunities.

    1. 1By the first progress review, given a coping card and an anger cue from staff, with the task modeled once, [Student] will use a taught coping strategy when shown an anger cue during 40% of observed opportunities across 3 consecutive school days.
    2. 2By the second progress review, given a coping card and an anger cue from staff, with a new adult in another room, [Student] will use a taught coping strategy when shown an anger cue during 55% of observed opportunities across 3 consecutive school days.

    Measurement
    opportunity recording

  4. 035

    3-5 · accepting feedback

    Within 36 instructional weeks, given a private correction, [Student] will restate the expected behavior after a correction during 75% of observed opportunities across 4 consecutive school days.

    Present level
    Currently, [Student] is able to restate the expected behavior after a correction on about 25% of observed opportunities.

    1. 1By the first progress review, given a private correction, with one gestural prompt, [Student] will restate the expected behavior after a correction during 45% of observed opportunities across 3 consecutive school days.
    2. 2By the second progress review, given a private correction, with the same adult in an unscheduled setting, [Student] will restate the expected behavior after a correction during 60% of observed opportunities across 3 consecutive school days.

    Measurement
    opportunity recording

  5. 036

    3-5 · replacement behavior

    Within 36 instructional weeks, given independent work and a help card, [Student] will ask for help with a help card instead of refusing the task during 75% of observed opportunities across 5 consecutive school days.

    Present level
    Currently, [Student] is able to ask for help with a help card instead of refusing the task on about 25% of observed opportunities.

    1. 1By the first progress review, given independent work and a help card, with a visual cue, [Student] will ask for help with a help card instead of refusing the task during 45% of observed opportunities across 3 consecutive school days.
    2. 2By the second progress review, given independent work and a help card, with a different adult and no visual cue, [Student] will ask for help with a help card instead of refusing the task during 60% of observed opportunities across 3 consecutive school days.

    Measurement
    opportunity recording

  6. 037

    PreK-K · replacement behavior

    By the end of the IEP period, given a shared material and a want card, [Student] will use words to state a want instead of grabbing materials during 70% of observed opportunities across 5 consecutive school days.

    Present level
    Currently, [Student] is able to use words to state a want instead of grabbing materials on about 25% of observed opportunities.

    1. 1By the first progress review, given a shared material and a want card, with the task modeled once, [Student] will use words to state a want instead of grabbing materials during 40% of observed opportunities across 3 consecutive school days.
    2. 2By the second progress review, given a shared material and a want card, with a different adult in a second setting, [Student] will use words to state a want instead of grabbing materials during 55% of observed opportunities across 3 consecutive school days.

    Measurement
    opportunity recording

  7. 038

    6-8 · social behavior

    Within 36 instructional weeks, given a peer disagreement and a script card, [Student] will disagree with a peer using a taught script during 75% of observed opportunities across 4 consecutive school days.

    Present level
    Currently, [Student] is able to disagree with a peer using a taught script on about 25% of observed opportunities.

    1. 1By the first progress review, given a peer disagreement and a script card, with one gestural prompt, [Student] will disagree with a peer using a taught script during 45% of observed opportunities across 3 consecutive school days.
    2. 2By the second progress review, given a peer disagreement and a script card, with a different adult in a second setting, [Student] will disagree with a peer using a taught script during 60% of observed opportunities across 3 consecutive school days.

    Measurement
    opportunity recording

  8. 039

    6-8 · self-regulation

    By the annual review date, given a break timer, [Student] will return from a teacher-offered break when the timer sounds within 30 seconds on 4 of 5 opportunities across 4 consecutive school days.

    Present level
    Currently, [Student] is able to return from a teacher-offered break when the timer sounds after about 90 seconds on most opportunities.

    1. 1By the first progress review, given a break timer, with a timer visible, [Student] will return from a teacher-offered break when the timer sounds within 80 seconds on 4 of 5 opportunities across 3 consecutive school days.
    2. 2By the second progress review, given a break timer, with a new adult in another room, [Student] will return from a teacher-offered break when the timer sounds within 50 seconds on 4 of 5 opportunities across 3 consecutive school days.

    Measurement
    latency recording

  9. 040

    6-8 · accepting no

    By the end of the IEP period, given a denial and a response card, [Student] will reply to a denial without an insult or a raised voice during 70% of observed opportunities across 4 consecutive school days.

    Present level
    Currently, [Student] is able to reply to a denial without an insult or a raised voice on about 25% of observed opportunities.

    1. 1By the first progress review, given a denial and a response card, with one verbal prompt, [Student] will reply to a denial without an insult or a raised voice during 40% of observed opportunities across 3 consecutive school days.
    2. 2By the second progress review, given a denial and a response card, with the same adult in an unscheduled setting, [Student] will reply to a denial without an insult or a raised voice during 55% of observed opportunities across 3 consecutive school days.

    Measurement
    opportunity recording

  10. 041

    9-12 · self-advocacy

    By the annual review date, given a listed support and a private check-in, [Student] will ask the teacher in private for a needed support during 80% of observed opportunities across 4 consecutive school days.

    Present level
    Currently, [Student] is able to ask the teacher in private for a needed support on about 25% of observed opportunities.

    1. 1By the first progress review, given a listed support and a private check-in, with a reminder card, [Student] will ask the teacher in private for a needed support during 50% of observed opportunities across 3 consecutive school days.
    2. 2By the second progress review, given a listed support and a private check-in, in a setting the student does not choose, [Student] will ask the teacher in private for a needed support during 65% of observed opportunities across 3 consecutive school days.

    Measurement
    opportunity recording

  11. 042

    9-12 · self-regulation

    Within 36 instructional weeks, given a frustration cue and a strategy card, [Student] will use a planned strategy when frustrated instead of leaving class during 75% of observed opportunities across 4 consecutive school days.

    Present level
    Currently, [Student] is able to use a planned strategy when frustrated instead of leaving class on about 25% of observed opportunities.

    1. 1By the first progress review, given a frustration cue and a strategy card, with one gestural prompt, [Student] will use a planned strategy when frustrated instead of leaving class during 45% of observed opportunities across 3 consecutive school days.
    2. 2By the second progress review, given a frustration cue and a strategy card, with a new adult and a moved seating location, [Student] will use a planned strategy when frustrated instead of leaving class during 60% of observed opportunities across 3 consecutive school days.

    Measurement
    opportunity recording

  12. 043

    9-12 · social behavior

    By the annual review date, given a conflict and a repair card, [Student] will state what happened and a next step after a peer conflict during 80% of observed opportunities across 5 consecutive school days.

    Present level
    Currently, [Student] is able to state what happened and a next step after a peer conflict on about 25% of observed opportunities.

    1. 1By the first progress review, given a conflict and a repair card, with a check of the first step, [Student] will state what happened and a next step after a peer conflict during 50% of observed opportunities across 3 consecutive school days.
    2. 2By the second progress review, given a conflict and a repair card, with a different adult in a second setting, [Student] will state what happened and a next step after a peer conflict during 65% of observed opportunities across 3 consecutive school days.

    Measurement
    opportunity recording

  13. 044

    transition · communication

    By the annual review date, given a work problem and a supervisor nearby, [Student] will tell a supervisor about a problem instead of stopping work during 80% of observed opportunities across 4 consecutive school days.

    Present level
    Currently, [Student] is able to tell a supervisor about a problem instead of stopping work on about 25% of observed opportunities.

    1. 1By the first progress review, given a work problem and a supervisor nearby, with a reminder card, [Student] will tell a supervisor about a problem instead of stopping work during 50% of observed opportunities across 3 consecutive school days.
    2. 2By the second progress review, given a work problem and a supervisor nearby, with a coworker within earshot, [Student] will tell a supervisor about a problem instead of stopping work during 65% of observed opportunities across 3 consecutive school days.

    Measurement
    opportunity recording

  14. 045

    3-5 · self-regulation

    By the annual review date, given a 5-point scale and a staff prompt after a conflict, [Student] will point to a feeling on a 5-point scale after a conflict during 80% of observed opportunities across 4 consecutive school days.

    Present level
    Currently, [Student] is able to point to a feeling on a 5-point scale after a conflict on about 25% of observed opportunities.

    1. 1By the first progress review, given a 5-point scale and a staff prompt after a conflict, with a reminder card, [Student] will point to a feeling on a 5-point scale after a conflict during 50% of observed opportunities across 3 consecutive school days.
    2. 2By the second progress review, given a 5-point scale and a staff prompt after a conflict, with the same adult in an unscheduled setting, [Student] will point to a feeling on a 5-point scale after a conflict during 65% of observed opportunities across 3 consecutive school days.

    Measurement
    opportunity recording

  15. 046

    6-8 · replacement behavior

    By the end of the IEP period, given a role-play and then the real class activity, [Student] will use a replacement behavior in class after practicing it in a role-play during 70% of observed opportunities across 5 consecutive school days.

    Present level
    Currently, [Student] is able to use a replacement behavior in class after practicing it in a role-play on about 25% of observed opportunities.

    1. 1By the first progress review, given a role-play and then the real class activity, with the task modeled once, [Student] will use a replacement behavior in class after practicing it in a role-play during 40% of observed opportunities across 3 consecutive school days.
    2. 2By the second progress review, given a role-play and then the real class activity, during an unscheduled class period, [Student] will use a replacement behavior in class after practicing it in a role-play during 55% of observed opportunities across 3 consecutive school days.

    Measurement
    opportunity recording

  16. 047

    3-5 · social behavior

    By the annual review date, given a problem the student caused and a repair menu, [Student] will name a repair action after causing a problem during 80% of observed opportunities across 5 consecutive school days.

    Present level
    Currently, [Student] is able to name a repair action after causing a problem on about 25% of observed opportunities.

    1. 1By the first progress review, given a problem the student caused and a repair menu, with a check of the first step, [Student] will name a repair action after causing a problem during 50% of observed opportunities across 3 consecutive school days.
    2. 2By the second progress review, given a problem the student caused and a repair menu, with a different adult and no visual cue, [Student] will name a repair action after causing a problem during 65% of observed opportunities across 3 consecutive school days.

    Measurement
    opportunity recording

  17. 048

    9-12 · self-advocacy

    By the annual review date, given a task due date and an accommodation list, [Student] will ask for a listed accommodation before the task is overdue during 80% of observed opportunities across 4 consecutive school days.

    Present level
    Currently, [Student] is able to ask for a listed accommodation before the task is overdue on about 25% of observed opportunities.

    1. 1By the first progress review, given a task due date and an accommodation list, with a reminder card, [Student] will ask for a listed accommodation before the task is overdue during 50% of observed opportunities across 3 consecutive school days.
    2. 2By the second progress review, given a task due date and an accommodation list, with a new adult in another room, [Student] will ask for a listed accommodation before the task is overdue during 65% of observed opportunities across 3 consecutive school days.

    Measurement
    opportunity recording

  18. 049

    PreK-K · flexibility

    Within 36 instructional weeks, given a schedule change shown on a visual, [Student] will use a taught phrase when the schedule changes during 75% of observed opportunities across 4 consecutive school days.

    Present level
    Currently, [Student] is able to use a taught phrase when the schedule changes on about 25% of observed opportunities.

    1. 1By the first progress review, given a schedule change shown on a visual, with one gestural prompt, [Student] will use a taught phrase when the schedule changes during 45% of observed opportunities across 3 consecutive school days.
    2. 2By the second progress review, given a schedule change shown on a visual, during an unscheduled class period, [Student] will use a taught phrase when the schedule changes during 60% of observed opportunities across 3 consecutive school days.

    Measurement
    opportunity recording

  19. 050

    1-2 · social behavior

    By the annual review date, given a peer request for a material, [Student] will share a material when a peer asks during 80% of observed opportunities across 5 consecutive school days.

    Present level
    Currently, [Student] is able to share a material when a peer asks on about 25% of observed opportunities.

    1. 1By the first progress review, given a peer request for a material, with a check of the first step, [Student] will share a material when a peer asks during 50% of observed opportunities across 3 consecutive school days.
    2. 2By the second progress review, given a peer request for a material, in a setting the student does not choose, [Student] will share a material when a peer asks during 65% of observed opportunities across 3 consecutive school days.

    Measurement
    opportunity recording

Drafter

Draft a goal for one student

Describe what the student does now. The drafter returns one annual goal and two short-term objectives. Nothing you type is stored.

Do not include names, birthdays, ID numbers, or other identifying details. Use "the student".

Nothing entered yet

A useful present level names the task, the support the student currently needs, and roughly how often they succeed. "Reads at a low second-grade level with 3 unknown words per minute" gives the drafter more to work with than "reading is hard."

Adapting an example

An example is a starting point, not a finished goal. Four things have to change before it belongs on a student's IEP.

Define the behavior so two observers would mark it the same way. Within one minute, calm voice, or four of five items are definitions. Acts respectful is not.

Pair a reduction in a problem behavior with a replacement you will teach. Requesting a break, using a help card, or restating a direction gives staff something to prompt.

Pick one measurement system and keep it: latency, event recording, partial interval, or permanent product. Changing the system mid-year breaks the progress line.

Set the criterion from baseline data. If a student starts work within a minute on 2 of 10 days, an objective at 40 percent is a real step, and 80 percent can be the annual goal.

Questions teachers ask

01What makes a behavior IEP goal measurable?
Someone can see or hear the behavior and record it with a number: percent of opportunities, latency, duration, or a product such as completed items. Feelings and traits are not measurable behaviors.
02Should a behavior goal say the student will stop a problem behavior?
A goal that only bans a behavior does not teach a skill. Name the replacement behavior the team will reinforce, and measure that. A behavior intervention plan, when required, is a separate team decision.
03Who takes behavior data?
The IEP should make data collection realistic for the people in the room. These examples name a method. The team assigns who records it and how often progress is reported.
04Can behavior goals cover organization and work completion?
Yes. Turning in work, writing an assignment in a planner, and starting a warm-up are behaviors. They belong in the IEP when evaluation or classroom data show they affect learning.
05Do these goals replace a functional behavior assessment?
No. If a behavior impedes learning, the team follows district policy on assessment and intervention. Examples here are drafts to edit, not an assessment.