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Count the printed words in a sentence

K-2Percent accuracyTemplateReview and individualize before use. How templates are made
When to use this goal

For kindergarten students who count letters or syllables when asked how many words are in a printed sentence, showing that spaces are not yet word boundaries. Present levels in counting objects to 10 decide fit. Spoken word counting is in phonological awareness.

Baseline
Include long words and short words in each sentence so counting letters or syllables gives a wrong answer. Record the count the student gives to see what is being counted.
Tips
Cutting a sentence strip into words after counting shows the boundaries. Use sentences the class wrote together. Pair with rd-pc-023 on rebuilding cut-up sentences.
Limits
Counting is a proxy for the word concept. Miscounting objects can lower scores; check counting first.

Original IEP Atlas template based on general measurement principles; not copied from any goal bank. ID rd-pc-013.

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Student

How the goal refers to the student

Skill

What the student will do

Something an adult can see, count or time.

Condition

When or under what conditions

Support

Support allowed

Criterion

Percent of attempted items answered correctly.

Sample numbers. Replace them with the student's data.

Criterion wording

Data collection

Each planned or naturally occurring opportunity is recorded as correct/independent, prompted, or not demonstrated.

How often data are collected
Mastery rule

How many measurements must meet the criterion.

Timeframe

Timeframe

Goal

By the annual IEP review date, given 8 printed sentences of 3 to 7 words on sentence strips, the student will touch each word and say how many words are in the sentence independently with at least 88% accuracy on printed sentences, in 3 of 4 consecutive weekly probes, as measured by opportunity-by-opportunity data collected weekly.

Baseline: 25% accuracy.

  • Condition
  • Observable behavior
  • Criterion
  • Measurement method

ObjectivesCopy by fieldData sheet

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 Print Concepts & Early Literacy.

  • 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.

Build objectives by

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 - Print Concepts & Early Literacy
Baseline
25% accuracy.
Annual goal333 characters
By the annual IEP review date, given 8 printed sentences of 3 to 7 words on sentence strips, the student will touch each word and say how many words are in the sentence independently with at least 88% accuracy on printed sentences, in 3 of 4 consecutive weekly probes, as measured by opportunity-by-opportunity data collected weekly.
Timeframe
By the annual IEP review date
Condition
Given 8 printed sentences of 3 to 7 words on sentence strips
Behavior
The student will touch each word and say how many words are in the sentence independently
Criteria
With at least 88% accuracy on printed sentences, in 3 of 4 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.

The CSV opens in Excel or Google Sheets, with formulas. Sheets print blank; no student data is stored.