Plan a fair test with one changed variable
When to use this goal
For high school students who can name variables in someone else's investigation but change several things at once when planning their own. Present levels on the variables template (ca-sci-023) near criterion show readiness.
- Baseline
- Score two plans the student wrote with class supports. Look for plans that change two things; that is the most common gap and shows up in the first row.
- Tips
- Let the student test the plan when possible; a plan that a partner cannot follow is the most useful feedback. Student-chosen questions raise engagement.
- Limits
- Planning tasks happen less often than labs; collect plans across classes if possible. The rubric does not judge whether the plan is safe; the teacher reviews safety before any test.
Original IEP Atlas template based on general measurement principles; not copied from any goal bank. ID ca-sci-035.
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Goal
By the annual IEP review date, given a testable question, a materials list and an investigation planning sheet, the student will write a plan that names the one variable changed, the variable measured, at least two variables kept the same, and numbered steps another student could follow independently, earning a score of at least 9 out of 12 on a 4-row fair test plan rubric scored 0 to 3 per row, on 3 of 4 consecutive scored plans, as measured by a defined scoring rubric collected monthly.
Baseline: 4 out of 12 rubric points.
- Condition
- Observable behavior
- Criterion
- Measurement method
Measurability check11 of 11 met
Met: Observable behavior. Stated as an action.
Met: Condition. Stated.
Met: Unit fits the behavior. Rubric score fits this behavior.
Met: Explicit criterion. Number and unit stated.
Met: Mastery rule and schedule. Both stated.
Met: Method produces the metric. Rubric scoring gives rubric score data.
Met: Review timeframe. Stated.
Met: Baseline and target compatible. Same unit, change in the right direction.
Met: Aligned with area of need. Still about Science Skills.
Met: Level of support. Defined.
Met: Blanks filled in. Nothing left to fill in.
Checks structure and wording only. Whether the goal fits the student is the team's call.
Short-term objectives (optional)
When are objectives required?Required for students on alternate assessments (34 CFR §300.320(a)(2)(ii)); some states require them for everyone.
Paste into your IEP system
Most district systems have a separate box for each part of a goal. Copy them one at a time, or all at once as labeled text.
- Area of need
- Science, Social Studies & Digital Literacy - Science Skills
- Baseline
- 4 out of 12 rubric points.
- Annual goal493 characters
- By the annual IEP review date, given a testable question, a materials list and an investigation planning sheet, the student will write a plan that names the one variable changed, the variable measured, at least two variables kept the same, and numbered steps another student could follow independently, earning a score of at least 9 out of 12 on a 4-row fair test plan rubric scored 0 to 3 per row, on 3 of 4 consecutive scored plans, as measured by a defined scoring rubric collected monthly.
- Timeframe
- By the annual IEP review date
- Condition
- Given a testable question, a materials list and an investigation planning sheet
- Behavior
- The student will write a plan that names the one variable changed, the variable measured, at least two variables kept the same, and numbered steps another student could follow independently
- Criteria
- Earning a score of at least 9 out of 12 on a 4-row fair test plan rubric scored 0 to 3 per row, on 3 of 4 consecutive scored plans
- Evaluation method
- A defined scoring rubric
- Schedule
- Monthly
Copied as plain text, with straight quotes and plain dashes.
Matching data sheet
Rubric tracker. Scores each rubric criterion and totals them.
Rubric tracker
Rubric score- Student label:
- Target:
- earning a score of at least 9 out of 12 on a 4-row fair test plan rubric scored 0 to 3 per row
- Mastery rule:
- on 3 of 4 consecutive scored plans
- Collection schedule:
- monthly
- Method:
- Rubric scoring
- Data collector:
Goal: By the annual IEP review date, given a testable question, a materials list and an investigation planning sheet, the student will write a plan that names the one variable changed, the variable measured, at least two variables kept the same, and numbered steps another student could follow independently, earning a score of at least 9 out of 12 on a 4-row fair test plan rubric scored 0 to 3 per row, on 3 of 4 consecutive scored plans, as measured by a defined scoring rubric collected monthly.
| Date | Task / sample | One independent variable is named | The dependent variable is measurable | At least two controlled variables are listed | Steps are numbered and could be repeated by another student | Total (of 12) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Preview shows 4 of 12 rows.
- Score each sample with a 4-row fair test plan rubric scored 0 to 3 per row. Attach or reference the rubric's score descriptors.
- Use the same prompt type and conditions for each scored sample.
- If two people score, check agreement on a few samples before relying on the data.
The CSV opens in Excel or Google Sheets, with formulas. Sheets print blank; no student data is stored.