Explain what a signal word tells the reader
When to use this goal
For students who read the content words but skip the small words that organize meaning (however, because, before, unless, although), which leads to comprehension errors on sentences that look simple. Base the choice on language and comprehension data.
- Baseline
- Group the words by function (cause, contrast, time, condition) and probe each group so you can see which is weakest; contrast and condition words are usually hardest. Write a key with acceptable explanations. Note whether the student ignores the word and answers from the content alone.
- Tips
- Supports both reading comprehension and the sentence-combining work in writing. The sentence-pair condition is the productive step. Coordinate with the speech-language pathologist, who may target the same words as conjunctions.
- Limits
- Some signal words have several functions (since, as); choose clear items. Explaining a word's function depends on language; accept demonstrations (acting out the order) for younger students. Does not measure comprehension of whole passages.
Original IEP Atlas template based on general measurement principles; not copied from any goal bank. ID rd-voc-016.
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Goal
By the annual IEP review date, given 10 sentences at the student's instructional level, each with an underlined signal word (because, so, but, however, before, after, unless, although, first, finally), the student will say what the signal word tells the reader (a cause, a contrast, a time order, a condition) independently with at least 85% accuracy on signal word items, on 3 of 4 consecutive probes, as measured by work-sample analysis collected every two weeks.
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 Vocabulary.
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 - Vocabulary
- Baseline
- 35% accuracy.
- Annual goal465 characters
- By the annual IEP review date, given 10 sentences at the student's instructional level, each with an underlined signal word (because, so, but, however, before, after, unless, although, first, finally), the student will say what the signal word tells the reader (a cause, a contrast, a time order, a condition) independently with at least 85% accuracy on signal word items, on 3 of 4 consecutive probes, as measured by work-sample analysis collected every two weeks.
- Timeframe
- By the annual IEP review date
- Condition
- Given 10 sentences at the student's instructional level, each with an underlined signal word (because, so, but, however, before, after, unless, although, first, finally)
- Behavior
- The student will say what the signal word tells the reader (a cause, a contrast, a time order, a condition) independently
- Criteria
- With at least 85% accuracy on signal word items, on 3 of 4 consecutive probes
- Evaluation method
- Work-sample analysis
- Schedule
- Every two weeks
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 signal word items
- Mastery rule:
- on 3 of 4 consecutive probes
- Collection schedule:
- every two weeks
- Method:
- Work-sample analysis
- Data collector:
Goal: By the annual IEP review date, given 10 sentences at the student's instructional level, each with an underlined signal word (because, so, but, however, before, after, unless, although, first, finally), the student will say what the signal word tells the reader (a cause, a contrast, a time order, a condition) independently with at least 85% accuracy on signal word items, on 3 of 4 consecutive probes, as measured by work-sample analysis collected every two weeks.
| 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.