Question:

Ms Harvell,
How do you write measurable transition goals that show the needed linkages?

Thank you.

Ruby

Answer:

Dear Ruby,

I am not sure whether your reference to, “needed linkages” is a reference to Internet links or something else. Therefore, I will answer with my perception of your question.

The important components to remember when writing measurable Transition goals and objectives in students Individual Education Plan might be:

• Who – relates to the student
• Does what – observable behavior
• When – relates to a specific point in time
• Given – what conditions
• How much – mastery, criteria
• How will it be measured – performance data

These “tips” to goal writing are from CALSTAT. You can read more at http://www.calstat.org/iep.

In addition, make sure your Transition goals connect to the California State Standards. Let me give you an example of how this information might look in the area of Mathematics – 7 th Grade (modified from SEACO Special Education Alternate Curriculum).

Standard: 7.1.2 (number sense)

• Add, subtract, multiply and divide rational numbers (integers, fractions, and decimals) and take positive rational numbers to whole number powers.

*Performance indicator

**Achievement to move on to new objective

As you can see, the mathematics standard and transition goals are both addressed in the same goal, thereby meeting our state standard and transition requirements.

If you wanted to “link” your objective to an Internet web site, you could list the site for the California Standards referencing Mathematics – 7 th grade at http://www.cde.ca.gov/be/st/ss/mthgrade7.asp. and the National Career Development Guidelines (NCDG) at http://www.acrnetwork.org/ncdg.htm#Using. Both of these web sites provide grade level compensatory information for California Standards and Transition. I have found the NCDG very helpful and so have educators who teach special and general education.

I hope my “perspective/translation” of your question was on target. If not, the information should prove useful regardless.