Answer why and how questions about a story
When to use this goal
For students who answer who, what, and where questions but not why and how, which ask for reasons and steps. Fit depends on present levels showing reliable answers to the simpler question words.
- Baseline
- Plan 6 questions whose answers are in the text or pictures. Count an answer correct when it gives a fitting reason or step, even if short.
- Tips
- Model think-alouds with because. Accept answers in the student's home language.
- Limits
- Why and how answers vary; agree on what counts before baseline.
Original IEP Atlas template based on general measurement principles; not copied from any goal bank. ID rd-comp-024.
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Goal
By the annual IEP review date, after a read-aloud or shared reading of a picture book, when the adult asks a why or how question at a planned stopping point, the student will answer the question with a reason or a step from the story independently in at least 5 of 6 opportunities, across 3 consecutive sessions, as measured by opportunity-by-opportunity data collected twice weekly.
Baseline: 1 of 6 opportunities.
- 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. Opportunities 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 opportunities 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 Reading Comprehension.
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
- Reading - Reading Comprehension
- Baseline
- 1 of 6 opportunities.
- Annual goal383 characters
- By the annual IEP review date, after a read-aloud or shared reading of a picture book, when the adult asks a why or how question at a planned stopping point, the student will answer the question with a reason or a step from the story independently in at least 5 of 6 opportunities, across 3 consecutive sessions, as measured by opportunity-by-opportunity data collected twice weekly.
- Timeframe
- By the annual IEP review date
- Condition
- After a read-aloud or shared reading of a picture book, when the adult asks a why or how question at a planned stopping point
- Behavior
- The student will answer the question with a reason or a step from the story independently
- Criteria
- In at least 5 of 6 opportunities, across 3 consecutive sessions
- Evaluation method
- Opportunity-by-opportunity data
- Schedule
- Twice weekly
Copied as plain text, with straight quotes and plain dashes.
Matching data sheet
Opportunity tracker. One box per opportunity in each session.
Opportunity tracker
Opportunities- Student label:
- Target:
- in at least 5 of 6 opportunities
- Mastery rule:
- across 3 consecutive sessions
- Collection schedule:
- twice weekly
- Method:
- Opportunity (trial) recording
- Data collector:
Goal: By the annual IEP review date, after a read-aloud or shared reading of a picture book, when the adult asks a why or how question at a planned stopping point, the student will answer the question with a reason or a step from the story independently in at least 5 of 6 opportunities, across 3 consecutive sessions, as measured by opportunity-by-opportunity data collected twice weekly.
Key: + demonstrated independently · P demonstrated with a prompt (note type) · − not demonstrated · NA no opportunity occurred
| Date | Activity / context | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | # + (of 6) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Preview shows 4 of 12 rows.
- Record up to 6 opportunities per session, matching the goal's denominator.
- Define in advance what counts as an opportunity so every data collector records the same thing.
- Count only + marks toward the criterion unless the goal specifies prompted responses.
The CSV opens in Excel or Google Sheets, with formulas. Sheets print blank; no student data is stored.