Goal Writing Standards
What does “operationally defined” mean in an ABA goal?
The behavior is described clearly enough that anyone can observe and measure it.
What data collection is used for trial-based responses like tacting?
Percentage of opportunities
True or False: Mastery must be based on consistent performance across multiple consecutive sessions.
True
What is the purpose of including generalization in a goal?
To ensure the skill transfers across different people, settings, and/or materials.
True or False: You must verify your sessions daily before the end of your session.
True. (This is required to ensure accurate billing and documentation.)
What is a vague phrase you should avoid when writing goals?
“Learn to,” “get better at,” “improve,” “increase,” or “understand.”
Which data collection method measures how long a behavior lasts?
Duration
True or False: Mastery criteria are optional as long as the goal has a percentage.
False (You must include how many consecutive sessions — percentage alone is not enough.)
True or False: Every goal must generalize across people, settings, and materials.
False — it depends on the skill.
When is the FBA due?
Two weeks after the observation date. (No exceptions — get it done.)
What is an example of concise and technological language?
“Mand for preferred items” or “labels common objects within 5 seconds.”
Which data type is correct for a chained task like handwashing?
Task analysis – steps completed independently out of total steps.
True or False: Mastery can be set at any percentage or number of sessions, regardless of whether it fits within the client’s 6-month treatment period.
False (Mastery must be realistic and achievable within the authorized timeframe.)
What’s a common mistake when writing generalization for a tacting goal?
Forgetting to include exemplars like different pictures, toys, and real items.
If you are behind on notes or session verification, what should you do?
Communicate with your supervisor immediately and get everything caught up the same day.
Why is it important to include prompt level or independence in the goal?
So it’s clear how independent the response should be, and anyone reading it knows the expectation.
When should you use frequency instead of percentage?
When there’s no SD and no set trial structure, such as free-operant behaviors (e.g., spontaneous mands, protests, comments).
True or False: The phrase “80% accuracy” is a complete mastery criterion even without specifying the number of sessions.
False (It’s incomplete without defining how many sessions the client must maintain that accuracy.)
True or False:
If a client demonstrates a skill with one therapist at one table, it means the skill is mastered.
False. The skill is not considered mastered if it has not generalized. Mastery requires the skill to be demonstrated consistently and independently across relevant people, settings, and/or materials. Without generalization, the skill is not functional and cannot be considered mastered.
When are progress reports due to the BCBA, and what is your responsibility after submitting the final draft for review?
Progress reports are due 6 weeks prior to the authorization end date. After submitting the final draft, you are responsible for following up for edits and final submission until it is listed on the report tracker as submitted.
Write a correct goal for following one-step directions that meets the standards.
“When given a one-step direction, the client will follow the direction independently in 4 out of 5 opportunities within 5 seconds.”
What’s wrong with this data collection statement: “Client labeled 5 items today”?
It doesn’t specify the number of opportunities or the measurement system. It incorrectly mixes frequency with percentage.
True or False: “4 out of 5 opportunities across 3 consecutive sessions” is an example of a realistic and correctly written mastery criterion.
True
Write an appropriate generalization statement for a tacting goal.
“Generalized across 2 people (therapist and caregiver), 2 settings (clinic and home), and 3 exemplars (photo, toy, and real item).”
What could happen if you consistently fail to verify sessions, complete notes, or update your schedule?
You may receive a Performance Improvement Plan (PIP) depending on the severity and frequency... but honestly, you shouldn’t let it get that far.