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Write b, d, p, and q facing the correct direction

K-2, 3-5Percent accuracyTemplateReview and individualize before use. How templates are made
When to use this goal

For students past the middle of first grade who still reverse b and d, p and q, or s and z in daily writing. Occasional reversals in kindergarten are typical; a count of reversals in a writing sample decides whether a goal is needed.

Baseline
Count every b, d, p, and q in three writing samples and calculate the percent written correctly. Compare copying with free writing; students who copy correctly but reverse in free writing need a memory strategy, not more tracing. Note whether the student notices reversals when asked to check.
Tips
Teach one letter of a confusable pair to mastery before introducing the other; many programs teach b first through formation (line first, then bump). Use the cue card as a fading support and change the support option as the student stops needing it.
Limits
Reversal counts depend on how many target letters the sample contains; use samples of similar length or report the ratio. Reading reversals (confusing b and d when reading) are a decoding issue and belong in a reading goal.

Original IEP Atlas template based on general measurement principles; not copied from any goal bank. ID mt-hw-006.

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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, during a writing sample of at least 50 words, the student will write each target letter facing the correct direction independently with at least 95% accuracy on target letters written facing the correct direction, on 3 consecutive weekly writing samples, as measured by work-sample analysis collected weekly from a writing sample.

Baseline: 60% 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 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.

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
Motor & Sensory Skills (OT, PT & Adapted PE) - Handwriting
Baseline
60% accuracy.
Annual goal361 characters
By the annual IEP review date, during a writing sample of at least 50 words, the student will write each target letter facing the correct direction independently with at least 95% accuracy on target letters written facing the correct direction, on 3 consecutive weekly writing samples, as measured by work-sample analysis collected weekly from a writing sample.
Timeframe
By the annual IEP review date
Condition
During a writing sample of at least 50 words
Behavior
The student will write each target letter facing the correct direction independently
Criteria
With at least 95% accuracy on target letters written facing the correct direction, on 3 consecutive weekly writing samples
Evaluation method
Work-sample analysis
Schedule
Weekly from a writing sample

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.