What is the outcome intended by maintenance goals in instruction?

Maintenance goals in instruction specifically focus on ensuring that students retain the skills they have previously learned over time. This is crucial in educational settings, particularly for students with exceptional needs, as it helps to solidify knowledge and prevent skill loss that may occur due to a lack of practice or reinforcement. By concentrating on skill retention, educators create a supportive learning environment where students can build on their existing knowledge and integrate those skills into future learning experiences.

While introducing new ideas, facilitating skill application, and minimizing distractions can all be important aspects of education, they do not define the primary purpose of maintenance goals. The essence of these goals is centered on the long-term retention of skills, which is vital for student success and confidence in their abilities.