Form lowercase letters with correct strokes from a model
When to use this goal
For students who draw letters from the bottom up, build them from disconnected pieces, or form them differently each time, so writing is slow and inconsistent. Use a formation check on all 26 letters during baseline to decide which letter groups to start with.
- Baseline
- Watch the student write all 26 letters from a model, because formation errors (bottom-up strokes, clockwise circles) cannot be seen in the finished product. Mark each letter correct or incorrect on a checklist and group the errors by stroke type. Repeat on a second day; formation is often inconsistent and the baseline should reflect that.
- Tips
- Use the letter groupings and stroke language from the handwriting program the classroom already uses so instruction and data match. Formation must be observed live or on video; a work sample alone can only show the end product. Progress on formation often shows up later as faster, more legible writing.
- Limits
- Correct strokes do not guarantee legibility, size, or spacing; those have their own templates. Some students develop a consistent non-standard formation that is fast and legible; the team may decide that is acceptable and retire this goal.
Original IEP Atlas template based on general measurement principles; not copied from any goal bank. ID mt-hw-003.
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Goal
By the annual IEP review date, given a model of each lowercase letter and lined paper, the student will write each letter starting at the correct point and using the stroke sequence taught in the classroom handwriting program independently with at least 90% accuracy on lowercase letters formed with the correct stroke sequence, on 3 consecutive weekly probes, as measured by work-sample analysis collected weekly on a 26-letter probe.
Baseline: 40% 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 Handwriting.
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
- Motor & Sensory Skills (OT, PT & Adapted PE) - Handwriting
- Baseline
- 40% accuracy.
- Annual goal435 characters
- By the annual IEP review date, given a model of each lowercase letter and lined paper, the student will write each letter starting at the correct point and using the stroke sequence taught in the classroom handwriting program independently with at least 90% accuracy on lowercase letters formed with the correct stroke sequence, on 3 consecutive weekly probes, as measured by work-sample analysis collected weekly on a 26-letter probe.
- Timeframe
- By the annual IEP review date
- Condition
- Given a model of each lowercase letter and lined paper
- Behavior
- The student will write each letter starting at the correct point and using the stroke sequence taught in the classroom handwriting program independently
- Criteria
- With at least 90% accuracy on lowercase letters formed with the correct stroke sequence, on 3 consecutive weekly probes
- Evaluation method
- Work-sample analysis
- Schedule
- Weekly on a 26-letter probe
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 90% accuracy on lowercase letters formed with the correct stroke sequence
- Mastery rule:
- on 3 consecutive weekly probes
- Collection schedule:
- weekly on a 26-letter probe
- Method:
- Work-sample analysis
- Data collector:
Goal: By the annual IEP review date, given a model of each lowercase letter and lined paper, the student will write each letter starting at the correct point and using the stroke sequence taught in the classroom handwriting program independently with at least 90% accuracy on lowercase letters formed with the correct stroke sequence, on 3 consecutive weekly probes, as measured by work-sample analysis collected weekly on a 26-letter probe.
| 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.