IEP Behavior Goal Examples
Replacement-behavior goals, written to be measured.
Sample behavior goals built on replacement behaviors — the skill you want to see — rather than the behavior you want to stop. Each goal pairs with incident data to show the full picture.
Break-requesting example
"When feeling frustrated during non-preferred tasks, the student will use the break card or taught script to request a 2-minute break in 4 of 5 opportunities, as measured by teacher observation logs."
- Probe: naturally occurring frustration moments
- Data: requested / needed prompting / escape behavior
- Track: replacement vs. target behavior rates
Coping strategy example
"When the student recognizes escalation cues (taught in advance), they will choose and use a coping strategy from their support menu, returning to the task within 5 minutes in 3 of 4 opportunities."
- Probe: escalate-and-recover episodes
- Data: strategy used, time to return
- Track: recovery success trend
On-task behavior example
"During independent work periods, the student will remain on task for 10 continuous minutes with one functional reminder in 4 of 5 observations."
- Probe: momentary time-sampling or duration logs
- Data: minutes on task, reminders needed
- Track: duration trend across weeks
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