Skip to content

Simplify polynomial sums and differences

9-12Percent accuracyTemplateReview and individualize before use. How templates are made
When to use this goal

For high school students who combine unlike terms (x squared with x) or forget to distribute the negative when subtracting polynomials. Present levels in combining like terms decide fit.

Baseline
Probe sums and differences separately. Differences show whether the student distributes the negative to every term.
Tips
Vertical alignment works well for students who lose track of terms. Algebra tiles can model this for students who need it.
Limits
Multiplying polynomials is in ma-alg-038. Eight items per probe.

Original IEP Atlas template based on general measurement principles; not copied from any goal bank. ID ma-alg-037.

Sign in to add this goal to a student.

Student

How the goal refers to the student

Skill

What the student will do

Something an adult can see, count or time.

Condition

When or under what conditions

Support

Support allowed

Criterion

Percent of attempted items answered correctly.

Sample numbers. Replace them with the student's data.

Criterion wording

Data collection

Scoring completed student work (permanent products) against a defined answer key or checklist.

How often data are collected
Mastery rule

How many measurements must meet the criterion.

Timeframe

Timeframe

Goal

By the annual IEP review date, given 8 differences of two polynomials with up to 3 terms each, the student will rewrite the problem without parentheses, group like terms, and write the result in standard form independently with at least 75% accuracy on polynomial problems, in 3 of 4 consecutive biweekly probes, as measured by work-sample analysis collected every two weeks.

Baseline: 25% accuracy.

  • Condition
  • Observable behavior
  • Criterion
  • Measurement method

ObjectivesCopy by fieldData sheet

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.

Build objectives by

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
25% accuracy.
Annual goal375 characters
By the annual IEP review date, given 8 differences of two polynomials with up to 3 terms each, the student will rewrite the problem without parentheses, group like terms, and write the result in standard form independently with at least 75% accuracy on polynomial problems, in 3 of 4 consecutive biweekly probes, as measured by work-sample analysis collected every two weeks.
Timeframe
By the annual IEP review date
Condition
Given 8 differences of two polynomials with up to 3 terms each
Behavior
The student will rewrite the problem without parentheses, group like terms, and write the result in standard form independently
Criteria
With at least 75% accuracy on polynomial problems, in 3 of 4 consecutive biweekly probes
Evaluation method
Work-sample analysis
Schedule
Every two weeks

Copied as plain text, with straight quotes and plain dashes.

Matching data sheet

Accuracy tracker. Records number correct and number attempted.

The CSV opens in Excel or Google Sheets, with formulas. Sheets print blank; no student data is stored.