Connect events with because, so, and other linking words
When to use this goal
For students whose stories are lists of events with no stated causes or connections ("He fell. He cried. He went home."). Base the choice on a narrative sample. Builds on sequence words (sl-nar-002) by adding causal and contrastive links.
- Baseline
- Record five narratives and list the linking words in each; most students have "and" and "then" only. Note whether the student can answer "Why did that happen?" about the story, which shows the causal understanding is there and only the language is missing.
- Tips
- Each narrative is one opportunity. Score correct when the narrative contains the required number of different linking words used correctly (the link must be true in the story). "And then" does not count as a causal link. Accept any mode. Choose stories with obvious causes so there are real chances to use the words.
- Limits
- Linking words can be inserted without real understanding; the correctness requirement guards against this but needs a scorer who knows the story. Narratives vary in how many causal links they offer.
Original IEP Atlas template based on general measurement principles; not copied from any goal bank. ID sl-nar-007.
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Goal
By the annual IEP review date, when retelling an unfamiliar story with a clear chain of causes and effects, the student will connect events using at least three different linking words that show cause, time, or contrast (such as because, so, when, after, but) independently in at least 4 of 5 opportunities, across 3 consecutive weekly probes, as measured by opportunity-by-opportunity data collected weekly.
Baseline: 1 of 5 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 Narrative Language & Retelling.
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
- Speech & Language - Narrative Language & Retelling
- Baseline
- 1 of 5 opportunities.
- Annual goal408 characters
- By the annual IEP review date, when retelling an unfamiliar story with a clear chain of causes and effects, the student will connect events using at least three different linking words that show cause, time, or contrast (such as because, so, when, after, but) independently in at least 4 of 5 opportunities, across 3 consecutive weekly probes, as measured by opportunity-by-opportunity data collected weekly.
- Timeframe
- By the annual IEP review date
- Condition
- When retelling an unfamiliar story with a clear chain of causes and effects
- Behavior
- The student will connect events using at least three different linking words that show cause, time, or contrast (such as because, so, when, after, but) independently
- Criteria
- In at least 4 of 5 opportunities, across 3 consecutive weekly probes
- Evaluation method
- Opportunity-by-opportunity data
- Schedule
- 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 4 of 5 opportunities
- Mastery rule:
- across 3 consecutive weekly probes
- Collection schedule:
- weekly
- Method:
- Opportunity (trial) recording
- Data collector:
Goal: By the annual IEP review date, when retelling an unfamiliar story with a clear chain of causes and effects, the student will connect events using at least three different linking words that show cause, time, or contrast (such as because, so, when, after, but) independently in at least 4 of 5 opportunities, across 3 consecutive weekly probes, as measured by opportunity-by-opportunity data collected 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 | # + (of 5) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Preview shows 4 of 12 rows.
- Record up to 5 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.