Join tricky cursive bridge-stroke connections
When to use this goal
For students who form single cursive letters well but lose letter shapes after b, o, v and w, where the connection leaves from the top (the bridge stroke) instead of the baseline. Fits classrooms where cursive is taught; a cursive word probe, not grade, decides fit.
- Baseline
- Probe 10 words and score each bridge-stroke connection as correct, dipped to the baseline, or disconnected. Check whether the next letter keeps its shape after the connection (an o followed by a or s is a common breakdown). Confirm the student reads cursive, since copying shapes they cannot read is slower.
- Tips
- Bridge strokes are the most common connection error once letters are learned. Teach them as their own small group with a verbal cue the class program uses. Pair with the cursive legibility rubric to see whether the gains carry into sentences.
- Limits
- Scores one connection type only. Cursive is optional in many schools; choose this goal only when cursive serves the student. Students who find cursive harder than print may do better with print or typing.
Original IEP Atlas template based on general measurement principles; not copied from any goal bank. ID mt-hw-056.
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Goal
By the annual IEP review date, given a list of 10 words with bridge-stroke connections (such as boat, over, wing, bring) to copy in cursive, the student will write each word in cursive, leaving b, o, v and w with a high bridge stroke that joins the next letter at the correct height independently with at least 85% accuracy on bridge-stroke connections joined at the correct height, in 3 of 4 consecutive weekly probes, as measured by work-sample analysis collected weekly on a cursive word probe.
Baseline: 35% 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
- 35% accuracy.
- Annual goal497 characters
- By the annual IEP review date, given a list of 10 words with bridge-stroke connections (such as boat, over, wing, bring) to copy in cursive, the student will write each word in cursive, leaving b, o, v and w with a high bridge stroke that joins the next letter at the correct height independently with at least 85% accuracy on bridge-stroke connections joined at the correct height, in 3 of 4 consecutive weekly probes, as measured by work-sample analysis collected weekly on a cursive word probe.
- Timeframe
- By the annual IEP review date
- Condition
- Given a list of 10 words with bridge-stroke connections (such as boat, over, wing, bring) to copy in cursive
- Behavior
- The student will write each word in cursive, leaving b, o, v and w with a high bridge stroke that joins the next letter at the correct height independently
- Criteria
- With at least 85% accuracy on bridge-stroke connections joined at the correct height, in 3 of 4 consecutive weekly probes
- Evaluation method
- Work-sample analysis
- Schedule
- Weekly on a cursive word 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 85% accuracy on bridge-stroke connections joined at the correct height
- Mastery rule:
- in 3 of 4 consecutive weekly probes
- Collection schedule:
- weekly on a cursive word probe
- Method:
- Work-sample analysis
- Data collector:
Goal: By the annual IEP review date, given a list of 10 words with bridge-stroke connections (such as boat, over, wing, bring) to copy in cursive, the student will write each word in cursive, leaving b, o, v and w with a high bridge stroke that joins the next letter at the correct height independently with at least 85% accuracy on bridge-stroke connections joined at the correct height, in 3 of 4 consecutive weekly probes, as measured by work-sample analysis collected weekly on a cursive word 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.