Self Help Domain

Functional Level - Profound

A New Format

Recently in California, a new format for writing IEP's was developed. Today's special educators face new requirements each time they draft goals and objectives. California teachers are now required to write their student objectives using this style. If you follow a few short steps, you can convert the Idea Statement into the new format.

The following is the alternate benchmark method you could use to describe your students IEP's. There are several examples of benchmarks for you to use. Simply copy any Idea Statement and/or Alternate Benchmark you want, and paste it to your form, or download the free form on this site. Change the Idea Statement to best describe your students needs.

Convert Idea Statements From This Conventional Style

THE STUDENT will recognize and recite names of classmates
2 out of 4 names on 4 consecutive days by month/year
3 out of 4 names on 4 consecutive days by month/year
4 out of 4 names on 4 consecutive days by month/year

To This Alternate Benchmark Style

By month/year, THE STUDENT will recognize and recite names of classmates 2 out of 5 names on 4 consecutive days

By month/year, THE STUDENT will recognize and recite names of classmates 3 out of 5 names on 4 consecutive days

By month/year, THE STUDENT will recognize and recite names of classmates 4 out of 5 names on 4 consecutive days

Copy an Paste an Alternate Benchmark

By month/year, Paste Goal Here 2 out of 5 trials on 4 consecutive days

By month/year, Paste Goal Here 3 out of 5 trials on 4 consecutive days

By month/year, Paste Goal Here 4 out of 5 trials on 4 consecutive days

By month/year, given sequence prompt Paste Goal Here with 40% accuracy 4 out of 5 sessions

By month/year, given sequence prompt Paste Goal Here with 60% accuracy 4 out of 5 sessions

By month/year, given sequence prompt Paste Goal Here with 80% accuracy 4 out of 5 sessions

By month/year given a teacher-made test, Paste Goal Here with 40% accuracy 3 out of 4 trial days

By month/year given a teacher-made test, Paste Goal Here with 60% accuracy 3 out of 4 trial days

By month/year given a teacher-made test, Paste Goal Here with 80% accuracy 3 out of 4 trial days

By month/year, Paste Goal Here with 30% accuracy for a period of 10 days

By month/year, Paste Goal Here with 40% accuracy for a period of 10 days

By month/year, Paste Goal Here with 50% accuracy for a period of 10 days

By month/year, Paste Goal Here with 40% accuracy 3 out of 4 occurrences

By month/year, Paste Goal Here with 60% accuracy 3 out of 4 occurrences

By month/year, Paste Goal Here with 80% accuracy 3 out of 4 occurrences

Then Insert The Following Goal of Your Choice Into Paste Goal Here

Self Help Idea Statements

To increase the skills necessary for greater independence in the area of self care.
At school, THE STUDENT has the opportunity to drink apple or cherry juice 3 times per day. She has difficulty drinking due to insufficient lip closure and insufficient swallowing reflex and tongue thrust. (THE STUDENT refuses to drink orange juice) THE STUDENT will improve swallowing by drinking small amounts of liquid from an adult held apple juice carton daily.
By December , a 10% improvement
By March , a 30% improvement
By June , a 60% improvement
By August , a 75% improvement
Self Help Domain

To increase the skills necessary for greater independence in the area of self care, food preparation and house keeping.
THE STUDENT has difficulty keeping her head at the midline. He shows pleasure when he is touched or handled by familiar people. He startles to new sensations or tactile experiences.
THE STUDENT will tolerate tactile stimulation:
1 out of 8 times by January
3 out of 8 times by March
5 out of 8 times by May
7 out of 8 times by July
Self Help Domain

To increase the skills necessary for greater independence in the area of self care. THE STUDENT will tolerate having her face washed 8 out of 10 attempts by June . THE STUDENT resists having her face washed. She will wrinkle her brought move her head from side to side and cry when attempts are made to wipe her face. THE STUDENT will tolerate having her face washed by not moving her head, not wrinkling her brought or crying.
2 out of 10 attempts by December
4 out of 10 attempts by February
6 out of 10 attempts by April
8 out of 10 attempts by June
Self Help Domain

To improve daily living skills and to increase personal abilities for greater independence. THE STUDENT will put on "pull-up" garments correctly without assistance. After Toileting THE STUDENT does not pull pants up properly.
THE STUDENT will put on "pull-up" garments correctly without assistance: (For example, the student puts on pants with elastic waistbands, underpants, or tights - right side out, front in front.
1 out of 8 times by January
3 out of 8 times by March
5 out of 8 times by May
7 out of 8 times by July
Self Help Domain

THE STUDENT will recognize his written last name 8 times, from a field of 10 other names.
THE STUDENT can recognize his written first name but does not know what his last name looks like. With supervision he is beginning to match letters of his name. THE STUDENT will recognize his written last name from a field of five other names:
1 out of 10 names by December
3 out of 10 names by March
5 out of 10 names by May
8 out of 10 names by August
Self Help Domain

THE STUDENT will match letters in his address in 6 out of 6 trials.
THE STUDENT is beginning to recognize his written address. With supervision he is beginning to THE match letters.
With supervision, THE STUDENT will match the letters in his address
2 out of 6 trials by May
4 out of 6 trials by June
6 out of 6 trials by August
Self Help Domain

THE STUDENT will match 4 colors by December
THE STUDENT likes coloring but has problems putting colors together by name.
THE STUDENT will THE match with help from a reversed mainstream helper
1 color out of 10 in 6 attempts by May
2 colors out of 10 in 6 attempts by July
3 colors out of 10 in 6 attempts by October
4 colors out of 10 in 6 attempts December
Self Help Domain

THE STUDENT will begin a task with only one verbal reminder by June .
THE STUDENT is able to do a variety of tasks but requires reminders to begin tasks and complete tasks.
THE STUDENT will begin a task within 15 seconds with
4 verbal reminders by December
3 verbal reminders by February
2 verbal reminders by April
1 verbal reminders by June
Self Help Domain

THE STUDENT can recognize his written first name but does not know what his last name looks like. With supervision he is beginning to match letters of his name.
THE STUDENT will recognize his written last name 8 times, from a field of 10 other names, by August
THE STUDENT will recognize his written last name from a field of five other names:
1 out of 10 names by December
3 out of 10 names by March
5 out of 10 names by May
8 out of 10 names by August
Self Help Domain

During the school day, THE STUDENT will participate in a variety of teacher directed large and small and group activities such as circle, snack, art, and small group time. THE STUDENT will be able to request items necessary to participate in and/or complete activities with minimal assistance.
Request will be 1 to 2 words in length with minimal cuing.
Request will be 2 to 3 words in length with minimal cuing.
Request will be 3 to 4 words in length with minimal cuing.
Request will be 4 to 5 words in length with minimal cuing.
Self Help Domain

THE STUDENT will learn 5 body parts by singing songs, listening to stories, participating in finger plays, simple games and other activities which involve understanding and use of body parts.
1 out of 5 Body Parts by December
2 out of 5 Body Parts by March
3 out of 5 Body Parts by May
4 out of 5 Body Parts by August
Self Help Domain

THE STUDENT will tolerate different tactile media such as finger paint, shaving cream, lotion, putting, etc., presented by the teacher. He will hold it briefly and/or visually attend without withdrawing, screaming, or throwing it.
1 out of 10 times by December
3 out of 10 times by March
5 out of 10 times by May
8 out of 10 times by August
Self Help Domain

To increase the skills necessary for greater independence in the area of self care, By June, THE STUDENT will improve her swallowing by 75%, by drinking small amounts of apple juice. At school, THE STUDENT has the opportunity to drink apple or cherry juice 3 times per day. She has difficulty drinking due to insufficient lip closure and insufficient swallowing reflex and tongue thrust. (THE STUDENT refuses to drink orange juice) THE STUDENT will improve swallowing by drinking small amounts of liquid from an adult held apple juice carton daily:
By December 8, a 10% improvement
By March , a 30% improvement
By June , a 60% improvement
By August , a 75% improvement
Self Help Domain

At school, THE STUDENT is fed through a G-tube once a day. She has difficulty drinking due to insufficient lip closure and insufficient swallowing reflex and tongue thrust. A "squeeze" bottle with a straw works at times. Per Doctor's orders, THE STUDENT will continue G-tube feeding daily.

By December 8, a 10% improvement
By March , a 30% improvement
By June , a 60% improvement
By August , a 75% improvement

Self Help Domain

THE STUDENT has difficulty keeping her head at the midline. She shows pleasure when she is touched or handled by familiar people. She startles to new sensations or tactile experiences. THE STUDENT will tolerate tactile stimulation one time per day:
1 out of 8 times by January
3 out of 8 times by March
5 out of 8 times by May
7 out of 8 times by July
Self Help Domain

THE STUDENT resists having her face washed. She will wrinkle her brought move her head from side to side and cry when attempts are made to wipe her face. THE STUDENT will tolerate having her face washed by not moving her head, not wrinkling her brought or crying:
2 out of 10 attempts by December
4 out of 10 attempts by February
6 out of 10 attempts by April
8 out of 10 attempts by June
Self Help Domain

THE STUDENT will suck and chew on crackers when offered. (for example, zwieback or graham crackers; someone else may hold the food):
2 out of 10 attempts by December
4 out of 10 attempts by February
6 out of 10 attempts by April
8 out of 10 attempts by June
VINELAND ADAPTIVE BEHAVIOR SCALES
Self Help Domain

THE STUDENT will eat solid: (Examples are cooked vegetables, chopped meat, and apples.):
2 out of 6 trials by May
4 out of 6 trials by June
6 out of 6 trials by August
Self Help Domain

THE STUDENT will drink from cup or glass unassisted. (Some spilling while drinking may occur.):
1 out of 8 times by January
3 out of 8 times by March
5 out of 8 times by May
7 out of 8 times by July
Self Help Domain

After Toileting THE STUDENT does not pull pants up properly.
THE STUDENT will put on "pull-up" garments correctly without assistance: (For example, the student puts on pants with elastic waistbands, underpants, or tights - right side out, front in front.
1 out of 8 times by January
3 out of 8 times by March
5 out of 8 times by May
7 out of 8 times by July
VINELAND ADAPTIVE BEHAVIOR SCALES
Self Help Domain

THE STUDENT will suck and swallow liquid :
By December , a 10% improvement
By March , a 30% improvement
By June , a 60% improvement
By August , a 75% improvement
Portage Guide Card # 1
Self Help Domain

THE STUDENT will eat liquified foods, i.e. baby cereal :
2 out of 10 attempts by December
4 out of 10 attempts by February
6 out of 10 attempts by April
8 out of 10 attempts by June
Portage Guide Card # 2
Self Help Domain

THE STUDENT will reach for bottle :
1 out of 8 times by January
3 out of 8 times by March
5 out of 8 times by May
7 out of 8 times by July
Portage Guide Card # 3
Self Help Domain

THE STUDENT will eat strained foods fed by parent :
By December , a 10% improvement
By March , a 30% improvement
By June , a 60% improvement
By August , a 75% improvement
Portage Guide Card # 4
Self Help Domain

THE STUDENT will hold bottle without help while drinking :
2 out of 6 trials by May
4 out of 6 trials by June
6 out of 6 trials by August
Portage Guide Card # 5
Self Help Domain

THE STUDENT will direct bottle by guiding it toward mouth or by pushing it away :
2 minutes to 4 minutes without reinforcement by January
4 minutes to 6 minutes without reinforcement April
6 minutes to 8 minutes without reinforcement June
8 minutes to 10 minutes without reinforcement September
Portage Guide Card # 6
Self Help Domain

THE STUDENT will eat mashed table foods fed by parent :
2 out of 10 attempts by December
4 out of 10 attempts by February
6 out of 10 attempts by April
8 out of 10 attempts by June
Portage Guide Card # 7
Self Help Domain

THE STUDENT will drink from cup held by parent :
2 out of 6 trials by May
4 out of 6 trials by June
6 out of 6 trials by August
Portage Guide Card #8
Self Help Domain

THE STUDENT will eat semi-solid foods fed by parent :
By December , a 10% improvement
By March , a 30% improvement
By June , a 60% improvement
By August , a 75% improvement
Portage Guide Card #9
Self Help Domain

THE STUDENT will feed self with fingers :
2 out of 10 attempts by December
4 out of 10 attempts by February
6 out of 10 attempts by April
8 out of 10 attempts by June
Portage Guide Card #10
Self Help Domain

THE STUDENT will hold and drink from cup using two hands :
2 out of 6 trials by May
4 out of 6 trials by June
6 out of 6 trials by August
Portage Guide Card #11
Self Help Domain

THE STUDENT will take spoon filled with food to mouth with help :
2 out of 10 attempts by December
4 out of 10 attempts by February
6 out of 10 attempts by April
8 out of 10 attempts by June
Portage Guide Card #12
Self Help Domain

THE STUDENT will hold out arms and legs while being dressed :
By December , a 10% improvement
By March , a 30% improvement
By June , a 60% improvement
By August , a 75% improvement
Portage Guide Card #13
Self Help Domain

THE STUDENT will eat table food with spoon independently :
1 out of 8 times by January
3 out of 8 times by March
5 out of 8 times by May
7 out of 8 times by July
Portage Guide Card #14
Self Help Domain

THE STUDENT will hold and drink from cup with one hand :
2 minutes to 4 minutes without reinforcement by January
4 minutes to 6 minutes without reinforcement April
6 minutes to 8 minutes without reinforcement June
8 minutes to 10 minutes without reinforcement September
Portage Guide Card #15
Self Help Domain

THE STUDENT will put hands in water and pats wet hands on face in imitation :
2 out of 10 attempts by December
4 out of 10 attempts by February
6 out of 10 attempts by April
8 out of 10 attempts by June
Portage Guide Card #16
Self Help Domain

During integrated lunch, THE STUDENT will use a napkin to wipe her face and hands:
1 out of 8 times by January
3 out of 8 times by March
5 out of 8 times by May
7 out of 8 times by July
Self Help Domain

THE STUDENT finger feeds himself. He is beginning to hold onto a sandwich and bite off. THE STUDENT needs help in scooping.
THE STUDENT will eat a 1/4 sandwich by biting off pieces:
1 out of 8 times by January
3 out of 8 times by March
5 out of 8 times by May
7 out of 8 times by July
Self Help Domain

With elbow prompting, THE STUDENT will use a special spoon and scoop :
1 out of 8 times by January
3 out of 8 times by March
5 out of 8 times by May
7 out of 8 times by July
Self Help Domain

With verbal reminders, THE STUDENT will remain seated:
1 out of 8 times by January
3 out of 8 times by March
5 out of 8 times by May
7 out of 8 times by July
Self Help Domain

THE STUDENT is placed on a toilet 2 times per day at school. He tends to wander off before she has voided. THE STUDENT needs assistance to pull down her pants.
THE STUDENT will pull down his pants with verbal prompting :
By December , a 10% improvement
By March , a 30% improvement
By June , a 60% improvement
By August , a 75% improvement
Self Help Domain

THE STUDENT resists feeding and diaper changing by grabbing and flinging his arms and legs.
THE STUDENT will put his hands down when asked during feeding and diaper changing:
2 out of 10 attempts by December
4 out of 10 attempts by February
6 out of 10 attempts by April
8 out of 10 attempts by June
Self Help Domain

THE STUDENT has difficulty keeping her head at the midline. She shows pleasure when she is touched or handled by familiar people. She startles when presented new sensations or tactile experiences:
THE STUDENT will keep her head at the midline during feeding.
25% of the time by December 8
50% of the time by March
75% of the time by July
Self Help Domain

THE STUDENT eats bite size pieces of food rapidly. He resists having his face washed.
THE STUDENT will swallow a mouthful of food before taking another:
2 minutes to 4 minutes without reinforcement by January
4 minutes to 6 minutes without reinforcement April
6 minutes to 8 minutes without reinforcement June
8 minutes to 10 minutes without reinforcement September
Self Help Domain

THE STUDENT will suck from straw:
1 out of 8 times by January
3 out of 8 times by March
5 out of 8 times by May
7 out of 8 times by July
VINELAND ADAPTIVE BEHAVIOR SCALES
Self Help Domain

THE STUDENT will feed self with spoon in. (Some spilling may occur.):
2 out of 10 attempts by December
4 out of 10 attempts by February
6 out of 10 attempts by April
8 out of 10 attempts by June
VINELAND ADAPTIVE BEHAVIOR SCALES
Self Help Domain

THE STUDENT will feed self with fork. (Some spilling may occur.):
2 out of 6 trials by May
4 out of 6 trials by June
6 out of 6 trials by August
VINELAND ADAPTIVE BEHAVIOR SCALES
Self Help Domain

THE STUDENT will indicate wet or soiled pants by pointing, vocalizing (other than crying), or pulling at them:
By December , a 10% improvement
By March , a 30% improvement
By June , a 60% improvement
By August , a 75% improvement
VINELAND ADAPTIVE BEHAVIOR SCALES
Self Help Domain

THE STUDENT will put shoes on correct feet without assistance. (The student need not tie or buckle shoes.):
1 out of 8 times by January
3 out of 8 times by March
5 out of 8 times by May
7 out of 8 times by July
VINELAND ADAPTIVE BEHAVIOR SCALES
Self Help Domain

THE STUDENT will sit on potty or infant toilet seat :
2 out of 10 attempts by December
4 out of 10 attempts by February
6 out of 10 attempts by April
8 out of 10 attempts by June
Portage Guide Card #17
Self Help Domain

THE STUDENT will put hat on head and takes it off :
2 out of 6 trials by May
4 out of 6 trials by June
6 out of 6 trials by August
Portage Guide Card #18
Self Help Domain

THE STUDENT will pull off socks :
2 out of 6 trials by May
4 out of 6 trials by June
6 out of 6 trials by August
Portage Guide Card #19
Self Help Domain

THE STUDENT will push arms through sleeves, legs through pants :
2 out of 10 attempts by December
4 out of 10 attempts by February
6 out of 10 attempts by April
8 out of 10 attempts by June
Portage Guide Card #20
Self Help Domain

THE STUDENT will take off shoes when laces are untied and loosened:
1 out of 8 times by January
3 out of 8 times by March
5 out of 8 times by May
7 out of 8 times by July
Self Help Domain

THE STUDENT will take off coat when unfastened :
1 out of 8 times by January
3 out of 8 times by March
5 out of 8 times by May
7 out of 8 times by July
Portage Guide Card #22
Self Help Domain

THE STUDENT will take off pants when unfastened :
2 minutes to 4 minutes without reinforcement by January
4 minutes to 6 minutes without reinforcement April
6 minutes to 8 minutes without reinforcement June
8 minutes to 10 minutes without reinforcement September
Self Help Domain

THE STUDENT will zip and unzip large zipper without working catch :
2 out of 6 trials by May
4 out of 6 trials by June
6 out of 6 trials by August
Portage Guide Card #24
Self Help Domain

THE STUDENT will use words or gestures indicating need to go to bathroom :
By December , a 10% improvement
By March , a 30% improvement
By June , a 60% improvement
By August , a 75% improvement
Portage Guide Card #25
Self Help Domain

THE STUDENT will feed self using spoon and cup with some spilling :
2 out of 10 attempts by December
4 out of 10 attempts by February
6 out of 10 attempts by April
8 out of 10 attempts by June
Portage Guide Card #26
Self Help Domain

THE STUDENT will take towel from parent and wipes hands and face :
2 minutes to 4 minutes without reinforcement by January
4 minutes to 6 minutes without reinforcement April
6 minutes to 8 minutes without reinforcement June
8 minutes to 10 minutes without reinforcement September
Portage Guide Card #27
Self Help Domain

THE STUDENT will suck liquid from glass or cup using straw :
2 out of 6 trials by May
4 out of 6 trials by June
6 out of 6 trials by August
Portage Guide Card #28
Self Help Domain

THE STUDENT will scoop with fork :
2 minutes to 4 minutes without reinforcement by January
4 minutes to 6 minutes without reinforcement April
6 minutes to 8 minutes without reinforcement June
8 minutes to 10 minutes without reinforcement September
Portage Guide Card #29
Self Help Domain

THE STUDENT will chew and swallow only edible substances :
2 out of 10 attempts by December
4 out of 10 attempts by February
6 out of 10 attempts by April
8 out of 10 attempts by June
Portage Guide Card #30
Self Help Domain

THE STUDENT will dry hands without help when given towel :
1 out of 8 times by January
3 out of 8 times by March
5 out of 8 times by May
7 out of 8 times by July
Portage Guide Card #31
Self Help Domain

THE STUDENT will ask to go to bathroom, even if too late to avoid accidents :
2 out of 10 attempts by December
4 out of 10 attempts by February
6 out of 10 attempts by April
8 out of 10 attempts by June
Portage Guide Card #32
Self Help Domain

THE STUDENT will control drooling :
2 out of 6 trials by May
4 out of 6 trials by June
6 out of 6 trials by August
Portage Guide Card #33
Self Help Domain

THE STUDENT will urinate of defecate in potty three times per week when placed on potty:
2 minutes to 4 minutes without reinforcement by January
4 minutes to 6 minutes without reinforcement April
6 minutes to 8 minutes without reinforcement June
8 minutes to 10 minutes without reinforcement September
Portage Guide Card #34
Self Help Domain

THE STUDENT will put on shoes :
By December , a 10% improvement
By March , a 30% improvement
By June , a 60% improvement
By August , a 75% improvement
Portage Guide Card #35
Self Help Domain

THE STUDENT will brush teeth in imitation:
1 out of 8 times by January
3 out of 8 times by March
5 out of 8 times by May
7 out of 8 times by July
Portage Guide Card #36
Self Help Domain

THE STUDENT will take off simple clothing that has been unfastened :
2 out of 10 attempts by December
4 out of 10 attempts by February
6 out of 10 attempts by April
8 out of 10 attempts by June
Portage Guide Card #37
Self Help Domain

THE STUDENT will use bathroom for bowel movements, one daytime accident per week :
2 out of 6 trials by May
4 out of 6 trials by June
6 out of 6 trials by August
Portage Guide Card #38
Self Help Domain

THE STUDENT will get drink from faucet without help, when stool or steps are provided:
1 out of 8 times by January
3 out of 8 times by March
5 out of 8 times by May
7 out of 8 times by July
Portage Guide Card #39
Self Help Domain

THE STUDENT will stay dry during naps :
By December , a 10% improvement
By March , a 30% improvement
By June , a 60% improvement
By August , a 75% improvement
Portage Guide Card #43
Self Help Domain