Interpret the symbols in a political cartoon
When to use this goal
For students who describe what is drawn in a political cartoon but miss the symbols, labels and exaggeration that carry the message. Present levels in figurative language and inference decide fit.
- Baseline
- Use cartoons on topics already taught so background knowledge is not the barrier. Score two cartoons; low scores on the middle row show where to teach symbolism.
- Tips
- Political cartoons need inference and background; start with ones that have clear labels. Avoid current cartoons that target real people the student knows from the news if they could upset the class.
- Limits
- Cartoon meaning depends on historical context the student may not have. Students who read language literally may need extra teaching on symbols first.
Original IEP Atlas template based on general measurement principles; not copied from any goal bank. ID ca-ss-024.
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Goal
By the annual IEP review date, given a historical political cartoon from the current unit and a cartoon analysis organizer, the student will name two symbols or labels, tell what each stands for, and write the cartoonist's message in one sentence independently, earning a score of at least 7 out of 9 on a 3-row cartoon analysis rubric scored 0 to 3 per row, on 3 of 4 consecutive scored cartoons, as measured by a defined scoring rubric collected every two weeks.
Baseline: 2 out of 9 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 Social Studies 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 - Social Studies Skills
- Baseline
- 2 out of 9 rubric points.
- Annual goal464 characters
- By the annual IEP review date, given a historical political cartoon from the current unit and a cartoon analysis organizer, the student will name two symbols or labels, tell what each stands for, and write the cartoonist's message in one sentence independently, earning a score of at least 7 out of 9 on a 3-row cartoon analysis rubric scored 0 to 3 per row, on 3 of 4 consecutive scored cartoons, as measured by a defined scoring rubric collected every two weeks.
- Timeframe
- By the annual IEP review date
- Condition
- Given a historical political cartoon from the current unit and a cartoon analysis organizer
- Behavior
- The student will name two symbols or labels, tell what each stands for, and write the cartoonist's message in one sentence independently
- Criteria
- Earning a score of at least 7 out of 9 on a 3-row cartoon analysis rubric scored 0 to 3 per row, on 3 of 4 consecutive scored cartoons
- Evaluation method
- A defined scoring rubric
- Schedule
- Every two weeks
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 7 out of 9 on a 3-row cartoon analysis rubric scored 0 to 3 per row
- Mastery rule:
- on 3 of 4 consecutive scored cartoons
- Collection schedule:
- every two weeks
- Method:
- Rubric scoring
- Data collector:
Goal: By the annual IEP review date, given a historical political cartoon from the current unit and a cartoon analysis organizer, the student will name two symbols or labels, tell what each stands for, and write the cartoonist's message in one sentence independently, earning a score of at least 7 out of 9 on a 3-row cartoon analysis rubric scored 0 to 3 per row, on 3 of 4 consecutive scored cartoons, as measured by a defined scoring rubric collected every two weeks.
| Date | Task / sample | Symbols and labels are identified | Meaning of each symbol is explained | Message is stated and fits the time period | Total (of 9) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Preview shows 4 of 12 rows.
- Score each sample with a 3-row cartoon analysis 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.