Read nonsense words on a 1-minute probe
When to use this goal
For students who decode CVC words accurately but slowly, as shown by an accuracy inventory above about 80 percent and a timed probe well below screening benchmarks. If accuracy is low, start with an accuracy goal. Base the choice on those two data points.
- Baseline
- Give three probes on separate days and use the median whole words read correctly. Record sound-by-sound reading separately if your probe set reports it; a student who says all the sounds but never blends needs the blending goal, not a speed goal. Keep the same probe format and font throughout the year.
- Tips
- Nonsense word probes are standard in early reading screening, so this goal lines up with school-wide data. Teach the task before baseline so unfamiliarity with made-up words does not lower the score. Whole-word reading, not sound-by-sound, is the target.
- Limits
- Some students find nonsense words confusing or try to turn them into real words; explain the purpose. Rate on nonsense words does not show reading of real text. Timed probes can push guessing; score accuracy alongside and pause the goal if accuracy drops below about 90 percent.
Original IEP Atlas template based on general measurement principles; not copied from any goal bank. ID rd-dec-008.
Sign in to add this goal to a student.
Goal
By the annual IEP review date, given a 1-minute probe of printed VC and CVC nonsense words, the student will read each word aloud as a whole word, moving left to right across each row independently at a rate of at least 20 words read correctly per minute, in 3 of 4 consecutive weekly probes, as measured by timed probes collected weekly.
Baseline: 6 words read correctly per minute.
- 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. Rate (per minute) fits this behavior.
Met: Explicit criterion. Number and unit stated.
Met: Mastery rule and schedule. Both stated.
Met: Method produces the metric. Timed probes gives rate (per minute) 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 Phonics & Decoding.
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 - Phonics & Decoding
- Baseline
- 6 words read correctly per minute.
- Annual goal338 characters
- By the annual IEP review date, given a 1-minute probe of printed VC and CVC nonsense words, the student will read each word aloud as a whole word, moving left to right across each row independently at a rate of at least 20 words read correctly per minute, in 3 of 4 consecutive weekly probes, as measured by timed probes collected weekly.
- Timeframe
- By the annual IEP review date
- Condition
- Given a 1-minute probe of printed VC and CVC nonsense words
- Behavior
- The student will read each word aloud as a whole word, moving left to right across each row independently
- Criteria
- At a rate of at least 20 words read correctly per minute, in 3 of 4 consecutive weekly probes
- Evaluation method
- Timed probes
- Schedule
- Weekly
Copied as plain text, with straight quotes and plain dashes.
Matching data sheet
Frequency & rate tracker. Records timing length and number correct.
Frequency & rate tracker
Rate (per minute)- Student label:
- Target:
- at a rate of at least 20 words read correctly per minute
- Mastery rule:
- in 3 of 4 consecutive weekly probes
- Collection schedule:
- weekly
- Method:
- Timed probes
- Data collector:
Goal: By the annual IEP review date, given a 1-minute probe of printed VC and CVC nonsense words, the student will read each word aloud as a whole word, moving left to right across each row independently at a rate of at least 20 words read correctly per minute, in 3 of 4 consecutive weekly probes, as measured by timed probes collected weekly.
| Date | Probe / form | Timing (min) | # correct | # errors | Correct per minute# correct ÷ minutes | Support levele.g., independent, 1 verbal prompt | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Preview shows 4 of 12 rows.
- Use the same timing length and probe type every session.
- Rate = number correct ÷ minutes timed.
- Target unit: words read correctly per minute.
The CSV opens in Excel or Google Sheets, with formulas. Sheets print blank; no student data is stored.