In special education, it is essential to focus on developing skills that help students interact effectively and learn efficiently. One such skill, observed in the provided skill text, is the ability to get someone’s attention appropriately. This target skill plays a significant role in students’ learning, social interactions, and wellbeing.

Understanding the Art of Getting Attention

The target skill, getting someone’s attention, involves approaching the person, saying their name, and ensuring they are looking at us before starting a conversation. This skill is crucial for students as it fosters respectful and positive communication. It also enhances their ability to actively participate in group activities and collaborate with their peers.

The Role of Specialists

Various specialists can support students in developing the target skill:

• Speech-Language Pathologists: They can help students practice appropriate ways to gain attention, such as using proper tone and volume.
• Social Workers: They can teach students social norms and cues for getting attention in different settings.
• Psychologists: They can work on building students’ self-confidence and assertiveness for effectively getting someone’s attention.
• School Counselors: They can provide guidance and support for students to apply the target skill in various school situations.

IEP Goals for Target Skill

Below are some specific SMART IEP goals to improve the target skill in students, along with strategies and activities:

1. Goal: The student will demonstrate the ability to get someone’s attention appropriately in 8 out of 10 opportunities within a month.
   • Strategy: Teach students the steps for getting attention, such as approaching the person, saying their name, and waiting for eye contact.
   • Activity: Role-play scenarios where students practice getting someone’s attention in various settings, like the classroom, playground, and lunchroom.
2. Goal: The student will use appropriate tone and volume to get someone’s attention in 4 out of 5 opportunities within two weeks.
   • Strategy: Demonstrate and practice different tones and volumes for getting attention in various situations.
   • Activity: Play a “tone and volume” matching game where students match the appropriate tone and volume to specific scenarios.

Implementing and Measuring Progress

To implement these goals and measure progress:

• Collaborate with specialists to develop a comprehensive plan for each student.
• Regularly observe and document students’ progress in the target skill.
• Provide feedback and reinforcement to encourage students’ improvement.
• Adjust goals and strategies as needed based on students’ progress.

Conclusion

Developing the target skill of getting someone’s attention appropriately is crucial for students’ learning, social interactions, and wellbeing. By setting effective IEP goals and implementing strategies, educators can support students in enhancing this skill. We encourage you to apply these IEP goals and invite you to explore more resources at Everyday Speech Sample Materials.