Start each letter at the correct starting point
When to use this goal
For students who start letters from the bottom or build them in odd pieces, which slows writing and causes reversals later. Fit depends on watching the student write, since the finished letter can look fine. Grade does not decide fit; observed formation does.
- Baseline
- This must be observed, not judged from the finished page. Watch 10 letters and mark each start. List the letters started wrongly; they usually group into a few patterns.
- Tips
- Teach starting points with the same words every time. Short daily practice of the hardest letters works best. Many reversals clear up when starts are fixed (see mt-hw-006).
- Limits
- Requires direct observation, which takes adult time. Does not measure size or line placement.
Original IEP Atlas template based on general measurement principles; not copied from any goal bank. ID mt-hw-030.
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Goal
By the annual IEP review date, when writing 10 dictated lowercase letters on lined paper while the adult watches, the student will begin each letter at the starting point taught in the school's handwriting program (top line or midline) independently with at least 85% accuracy on letters started at the correct point, across 3 consecutive weekly probes, as measured by opportunity-by-opportunity data collected weekly.
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. Opportunity (trial) recording 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 goal418 characters
- By the annual IEP review date, when writing 10 dictated lowercase letters on lined paper while the adult watches, the student will begin each letter at the starting point taught in the school's handwriting program (top line or midline) independently with at least 85% accuracy on letters started at the correct point, across 3 consecutive weekly probes, as measured by opportunity-by-opportunity data collected weekly.
- Timeframe
- By the annual IEP review date
- Condition
- When writing 10 dictated lowercase letters on lined paper while the adult watches
- Behavior
- The student will begin each letter at the starting point taught in the school's handwriting program (top line or midline) independently
- Criteria
- With at least 85% accuracy on letters started at the correct point, across 3 consecutive weekly probes
- Evaluation method
- Opportunity-by-opportunity data
- 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 letters started at the correct point
- Mastery rule:
- across 3 consecutive weekly probes
- Collection schedule:
- weekly
- Method:
- Opportunity (trial) recording
- Data collector:
Goal: By the annual IEP review date, when writing 10 dictated lowercase letters on lined paper while the adult watches, the student will begin each letter at the starting point taught in the school's handwriting program (top line or midline) independently with at least 85% accuracy on letters started at the correct point, across 3 consecutive weekly probes, as measured by opportunity-by-opportunity data 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.