What makes a goal measurable
A measurable goal lets two different people watch the same session and agree on whether the student met the criterion. Vague verbs like "understand" or "improve" fail that test; observable verbs like "read aloud", "write", or "request" pass it.
Checklist
- Is the behavior observable and countable?
- Is the condition stated (materials, support, setting)?
- Is there a criterion (accuracy, frequency, duration)?
- Is there a criteria period (sessions or weeks)?
- Is the method and schedule of measurement stated?
- Is it clear who is responsible for collecting data?
Before and after
Before: "Sam will improve his reading fluency."
After: "Given a grade-level passage, Sam will read aloud at 90 words correct per minute in 3 of 4 weekly probes, measured by the special education teacher."
Before: "Maya will use her words to ask for help."
After: "During classroom work time, Maya will independently request help using a phrase or her device in 4 of 5 opportunities across 3 consecutive sessions, measured by trial data."
Base goals on present levels
The baseline in the present levels (PLAAFP) should use the same measure as the goal. If the goal is in words correct per minute, the baseline should be too — otherwise there's no way to show growth.