Compare two arguments on the same issue
When to use this goal
For high school students who can analyze one argument but not weigh two that disagree. Present levels decide the text level.
- Baseline
- Use pairs of similar length and difficulty. Note whether the student picks the side they agree with rather than the better-supported one.
- Tips
- Builds on the core compare-texts template with argument texts. Debate units are a natural fit.
- Limits
- Topic knowledge affects judgments.
Original IEP Atlas template based on general measurement principles; not copied from any goal bank. ID rd-comp-082.
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Goal
By the annual IEP review date, after reading two unpracticed instructional-level arguments that take opposite sides on an issue, the student will state each author's claim, compare their strongest evidence, and explain which argument has stronger support and why independently, earning a score of at least 9 out of 12 on a 4-row argument comparison rubric scored 0 to 3 per row, on 3 of 4 consecutive scored responses, as measured by a defined scoring rubric collected every two weeks.
Baseline: 4 out of 12 rubric points.
- 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. Rubric score fits this behavior.
Met: Explicit criterion. Number and unit stated.
Met: Mastery rule and schedule. Both stated.
Met: Method produces the metric. Rubric scoring gives rubric score 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
- 4 out of 12 rubric points.
- Annual goal485 characters
- By the annual IEP review date, after reading two unpracticed instructional-level arguments that take opposite sides on an issue, the student will state each author's claim, compare their strongest evidence, and explain which argument has stronger support and why independently, earning a score of at least 9 out of 12 on a 4-row argument comparison rubric scored 0 to 3 per row, on 3 of 4 consecutive scored responses, as measured by a defined scoring rubric collected every two weeks.
- Timeframe
- By the annual IEP review date
- Condition
- After reading two unpracticed instructional-level arguments that take opposite sides on an issue
- Behavior
- The student will state each author's claim, compare their strongest evidence, and explain which argument has stronger support and why independently
- Criteria
- Earning a score of at least 9 out of 12 on a 4-row argument comparison rubric scored 0 to 3 per row, on 3 of 4 consecutive scored responses
- Evaluation method
- A defined scoring rubric
- Schedule
- Every two weeks
Copied as plain text, with straight quotes and plain dashes.
Matching data sheet
Rubric tracker. Scores each rubric criterion and totals them.
Rubric tracker
Rubric score- Student label:
- Target:
- earning a score of at least 9 out of 12 on a 4-row argument comparison rubric scored 0 to 3 per row
- Mastery rule:
- on 3 of 4 consecutive scored responses
- Collection schedule:
- every two weeks
- Method:
- Rubric scoring
- Data collector:
Goal: By the annual IEP review date, after reading two unpracticed instructional-level arguments that take opposite sides on an issue, the student will state each author's claim, compare their strongest evidence, and explain which argument has stronger support and why independently, earning a score of at least 9 out of 12 on a 4-row argument comparison rubric scored 0 to 3 per row, on 3 of 4 consecutive scored responses, as measured by a defined scoring rubric collected every two weeks.
| Date | Task / sample | Both claims stated accurately (0 to 3) | Strongest evidence from each identified (0 to 3) | Evidence compared directly (0 to 3) | Judgment of which support is stronger, with a reason (0 to 3) | Total (of 12) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Preview shows 4 of 12 rows.
- Score each sample with a 4-row argument comparison rubric scored 0 to 3 per row. Attach or reference the rubric's score descriptors.
- Use the same prompt type and conditions for each scored sample.
- If two people score, check agreement on a few samples before relying on the data.
The CSV opens in Excel or Google Sheets, with formulas. Sheets print blank; no student data is stored.