Explain school meanings of everyday words
When to use this goal
For students who misread directions and test items because a familiar word has a different meaning in a subject (table, product, volume, difference, mean, matter, energy). Base the choice on errors in content-class work and on a probe of subject meanings.
- Baseline
- Pull 10 double-meaning words from the student's current math and science units. Probe both meanings and note which the student defaults to. Check whether errors on class tests trace to these words.
- Tips
- Score correct when the subject meaning is explained in the student's own words. Coordinate with the math or science teacher on the word list. Multiple-meaning words in general are in sl-sem-014; this template focuses on subject meanings.
- Limits
- Knowing the subject meaning does not guarantee solving the problem. Word lists differ by curriculum; refresh each unit.
Original IEP Atlas template based on general measurement principles; not copied from any goal bank. ID sl-sem-040.
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Goal
By the annual IEP review date, given 10 sentences that use a word with an everyday meaning and a math or science meaning, the student will explain what the word means in the subject sentence and how it differs from the everyday meaning independently with at least 80% accuracy on double-meaning words explained, in 3 of 4 consecutive weekly probes, as measured by work-sample analysis collected weekly.
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 & Semantics.
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 - Vocabulary & Semantics
- Baseline
- 35% accuracy.
- Annual goal402 characters
- By the annual IEP review date, given 10 sentences that use a word with an everyday meaning and a math or science meaning, the student will explain what the word means in the subject sentence and how it differs from the everyday meaning independently with at least 80% accuracy on double-meaning words explained, in 3 of 4 consecutive weekly probes, as measured by work-sample analysis collected weekly.
- Timeframe
- By the annual IEP review date
- Condition
- Given 10 sentences that use a word with an everyday meaning and a math or science meaning
- Behavior
- The student will explain what the word means in the subject sentence and how it differs from the everyday meaning independently
- Criteria
- With at least 80% accuracy on double-meaning words explained, in 3 of 4 consecutive weekly probes
- Evaluation method
- Work-sample analysis
- Schedule
- Weekly
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Matching data sheet
Accuracy tracker. Records number correct and number attempted.
Accuracy tracker
Percent accuracy- Student label:
- Target:
- with at least 80% accuracy on double-meaning words explained
- Mastery rule:
- in 3 of 4 consecutive weekly probes
- Collection schedule:
- weekly
- Method:
- Work-sample analysis
- Data collector:
Goal: By the annual IEP review date, given 10 sentences that use a word with an everyday meaning and a math or science meaning, the student will explain what the word means in the subject sentence and how it differs from the everyday meaning independently with at least 80% accuracy on double-meaning words explained, in 3 of 4 consecutive weekly probes, as measured by work-sample analysis collected weekly.
| 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.