Goal Writing

Step 1: Basic Goal

✅ Includes: Date, context, behavior, measurement criteria.
❌ Lacks: Baseline data, latency, fluency, generalization, and maintenance.

Goal Structure (Step 1)

By (one year from today), when in (specific context), and given (specific supports), (Student Name) will (increase/decrease) (specific behavior) (define behavior) in ___% of opportunities for 3 consecutively measured school days as measured by (data collection method).

Example (Step 1)

By 03/10/26, when in a structured classroom setting and given verbal prompts, Jordan will increase on-task behavior (remaining seated and completing assignments) in 90% of opportunities for 3 consecutively measured school days as measured by teacher observation.

Baseline: Narraitive or not connected to the goal measurement.

Step 2: Adding Baseline Data (Moderate Effectiveness)

✅ Includes Baseline data that matches the goal for comparison.
❌ Lacks: Latency, fluency, generalization, and maintenance.

Goal Structure (Step 2)

By (one year from today), when in (specific context), and given (specific supports), (Student Name) will (increase/decrease) (specific behavior) (define behavior) in ___% of opportunities for 3 consecutively measured school days as measured by (data collection method).

Baseline: (Student's Name) currently (describe current level of performance with specific data).

Example (Step 2)

By 03/10/26, when in a structured classroom setting and given verbal prompts, Jordan will increase on-task behavior (remaining seated and completing assignments) in 90% of opportunities for 3 consecutively measured school days as measured by teacher observation.

Baseline: Jordan currently remains on-task in 90% of observed intervals, for 3 consecutive school days

Step 3: Adding Latency & Fluency (Improving Effectiveness)

✅ Includes Baseline data, response time (latency), and fluency.
❌ Lacks: Generalization and maintenance.

Goal Structure (Step 3)

By (one year from today), when in (specific context), and given (specific supports), (Student Name) will (increase/decrease) (specific behavior) (define behavior) in ___% of opportunities for 3 consecutively measured school days, initiating the task within __ seconds of instruction, as measured by (data collection method).

Example (Step 3)

By 03/10/26, when in a structured classroom setting and given verbal prompts, Jordan will increase on-task behavior (remaining seated and completing assignments) in 90% of opportunities for 3 consecutively measured school days, initiating the task within 10 seconds of instruction, as measured by teacher observation.

Baseline: Jordan currently remains on-task in 90% of observed intervals and takes an average of 25 seconds to begin a task after instruction.

Step 4: Adding Generalization (Strong Effectiveness)

✅ Includes Baseline data, latency, fluency, and generalization to multiple settings.
❌ Lacks: Maintenance for long-term retention.

Goal Structure (Step 4)

By (one year from today), when in (at least 3 different settings), and given (specific supports), (Student Name) will (increase/decrease) (specific behavior) (define behavior) in ___% of opportunities for 3 consecutively measured school days, initiating the task within __ seconds of instruction, across [settings], as measured by (data collection method).

Example (Step 4)

By 03/10/26, when in a structured classroom, small group instruction, and independent work time, and given verbal prompts, Jordan will increase on-task behavior (remaining seated and completing assignments) in 90% of opportunities for 3 consecutively measured school days, initiating the task within 10 seconds of instruction, across 3 different school settings, as measured by teacher observation.

Baseline: Jordan currently remains on-task in 40% of observed intervals, takes an average of 25 seconds to begin a task after instruction, and is inconsistent across different settings.

Step 5: Adding Maintenance (Most Effective)

✅ Includes Baseline data, latency, fluency, generalization, and long-term maintenance.
✅ Most comprehensive and effective goal.

Goal Structure (Step 5)

By (one year from today), when in (at least 3 different settings), and given (specific supports), (Student Name) will (increase/decrease) (specific behavior) (define behavior) in ___% of opportunities for 3 consecutively measured school days, initiating the task within __ seconds of instruction, across [settings], as measured by (data collection method). Additionally, (Student Name) will maintain the skill for 4 weeks following mastery to ensure long-term retention.

Example (Step 5)

By 03/10/26, when in a structured classroom, small group instruction, and independent work time, and given verbal prompts, Jordan will increase on-task behavior (remaining seated and completing assignments) in 90% of opportunities for 3 consecutively measured school days, initiating the task within 10 seconds of instruction, across 3 different school settings, as measured by teacher observation. Additionally, Jordan will maintain on-task behavior for 4 weeks following mastery to ensure long-term retention.

Baseline: Jordan currently remains on-task in 40% of observed intervals, takes an average of 25 seconds to begin a task after instruction, and is inconsistent across different settings.