Combine like terms to simplify expressions
When to use this goal
For students who combine every term in an expression (3x + 4 becomes 7x) or drop signs while simplifying. Present levels in integer operations decide fit.
- Baseline
- Separate two error types when scoring: combining unlike terms, and sign errors with subtraction. Each needs a different support. Note whether the student treats x as 1x.
- Tips
- Algebra tiles make like terms visible before moving to symbols (see ma-alg-003). The subtraction sign belongs to the term after it; teach students to circle the sign with the term.
- Limits
- Does not cover the distributive property, which has its own template (ma-alg-004). Calculator use shifts the task to recognizing like terms.
Original IEP Atlas template based on general measurement principles; not copied from any goal bank. ID ma-alg-002.
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Goal
By the annual IEP review date, given 10 expressions with 3 to 5 terms using one variable and constants, the student will circle or color like terms and write the simplified expression independently with at least 85% accuracy on expressions to simplify, in 3 of 4 consecutive weekly probes, as measured by work-sample analysis collected weekly.
Baseline: 30% accuracy.
- 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. Percent accuracy fits this behavior.
Met: Explicit criterion. Number and unit stated.
Met: Mastery rule and schedule. Both stated.
Met: Method produces the metric. Work-sample analysis gives percent accuracy 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 Algebra & Equations.
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
- Math - Algebra & Equations
- Baseline
- 30% accuracy.
- Annual goal343 characters
- By the annual IEP review date, given 10 expressions with 3 to 5 terms using one variable and constants, the student will circle or color like terms and write the simplified expression independently with at least 85% accuracy on expressions to simplify, in 3 of 4 consecutive weekly probes, as measured by work-sample analysis collected weekly.
- Timeframe
- By the annual IEP review date
- Condition
- Given 10 expressions with 3 to 5 terms using one variable and constants
- Behavior
- The student will circle or color like terms and write the simplified expression independently
- Criteria
- With at least 85% accuracy on expressions to simplify, in 3 of 4 consecutive weekly probes
- Evaluation method
- Work-sample analysis
- Schedule
- Weekly
Copied as plain text, with straight quotes and plain dashes.
Matching data sheet
Accuracy tracker. Records number correct and number attempted.
Accuracy tracker
Percent accuracy- Student label:
- Target:
- with at least 85% accuracy on expressions to simplify
- Mastery rule:
- in 3 of 4 consecutive weekly probes
- Collection schedule:
- weekly
- Method:
- Work-sample analysis
- Data collector:
Goal: By the annual IEP review date, given 10 expressions with 3 to 5 terms using one variable and constants, the student will circle or color like terms and write the simplified expression independently with at least 85% accuracy on expressions to simplify, in 3 of 4 consecutive weekly probes, as measured by work-sample analysis collected weekly.
| Date | Task / materials | # correct | # attempted | % accuracycorrect ÷ attempted × 100 | Support levele.g., independent, 1 verbal prompt | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Preview shows 4 of 12 rows.
- Score only items the student attempted unless the goal defines a fixed set of items. Use the same denominator every session.
- Percent = numerator ÷ denominator × 100. Round to one decimal place.
- Record the support actually provided, even if the goal is independent performance.
The CSV opens in Excel or Google Sheets, with formulas. Sheets print blank; no student data is stored.