Introduce characters by name before using pronouns
When to use this goal
For students whose stories leave listeners confused about who did what, because characters appear only as pronouns or switch without warning. Clear reference means introducing a character with a name or noun phrase and returning to the name when a different character acts. Base the choice on narrative samples. For giving listeners background, see sl-prag-005.
- Baseline
- Record five stories and mark each first mention of a character and each pronoun that could point to more than one person. Score a story correct when every character is introduced and no more than one reference is unclear.
- Tips
- Each story is one opportunity. A listener who has not seen the pictures is the best judge; use a peer or a second adult when possible. Pronoun systems differ across languages; for bilingual students, check reference in their stronger language too.
- Limits
- Stories with characters of the same type make reference harder, which is the point; keep that constant across probes. The goal does not score story structure.
Original IEP Atlas template based on general measurement principles; not copied from any goal bank. ID sl-nar-038.
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Goal
By the annual IEP review date, when retelling a short story with two or three characters of the same type (such as two girls or two dogs), the student will introduce each character with a name or describing phrase and use the name again when the actor changes independently in at least 4 of 5 opportunities, in 3 of 4 consecutive biweekly probes, as measured by opportunity-by-opportunity data collected every two weeks.
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 goal420 characters
- By the annual IEP review date, when retelling a short story with two or three characters of the same type (such as two girls or two dogs), the student will introduce each character with a name or describing phrase and use the name again when the actor changes independently in at least 4 of 5 opportunities, in 3 of 4 consecutive biweekly probes, as measured by opportunity-by-opportunity data collected every two weeks.
- Timeframe
- By the annual IEP review date
- Condition
- When retelling a short story with two or three characters of the same type (such as two girls or two dogs)
- Behavior
- The student will introduce each character with a name or describing phrase and use the name again when the actor changes independently
- Criteria
- In at least 4 of 5 opportunities, in 3 of 4 consecutive biweekly probes
- Evaluation method
- Opportunity-by-opportunity data
- Schedule
- Every two weeks
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:
- in 3 of 4 consecutive biweekly probes
- Collection schedule:
- every two weeks
- Method:
- Opportunity (trial) recording
- Data collector:
Goal: By the annual IEP review date, when retelling a short story with two or three characters of the same type (such as two girls or two dogs), the student will introduce each character with a name or describing phrase and use the name again when the actor changes independently in at least 4 of 5 opportunities, in 3 of 4 consecutive biweekly probes, as measured by opportunity-by-opportunity data collected every two weeks.
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.