Join two ideas with and, but, or or
When to use this goal
For students who speak in short simple sentences and never join related ideas, or who string ideas with "and then" without contrast or choice. Base the choice on a language sample. For complex sentences with because, when, and if, see sl-syn-020 and sl-exp-005.
- Baseline
- Count compound sentences in a language sample and probe 10 picture pairs for each conjunction. Record whether the student joins ideas at all, uses only "and," or chooses a conjunction that does not fit the meaning ("but" for addition).
- Tips
- Score correct when the two ideas are in one sentence, both parts have a subject and verb, and the conjunction fits the relationship (addition, contrast, or choice). "And then" chains of three or more ideas are recorded but not scored as correct. Accept any mode. Picture pairs should make the contrast or choice obvious.
- Limits
- Picture-prompted sentences are easier than spontaneous ones; sample conversation occasionally. The goal does not measure sentence complexity beyond coordination.
Original IEP Atlas template based on general measurement principles; not copied from any goal bank. ID sl-syn-019.
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Goal
By the annual IEP review date, given 10 picture pairs that show two related ideas (such as a child with an umbrella who is still wet), the student will say one sentence that joins the two ideas with and, but, or or (such as "She had an umbrella, but she got wet") independently with at least 80% accuracy on compound sentence prompts, across 3 consecutive therapy sessions, as measured by opportunity-by-opportunity data collected during each therapy session.
Baseline: 30% 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. 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 Grammar, Syntax & Morphology.
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 - Grammar, Syntax & Morphology
- Baseline
- 30% accuracy.
- Annual goal459 characters
- By the annual IEP review date, given 10 picture pairs that show two related ideas (such as a child with an umbrella who is still wet), the student will say one sentence that joins the two ideas with and, but, or or (such as "She had an umbrella, but she got wet") independently with at least 80% accuracy on compound sentence prompts, across 3 consecutive therapy sessions, as measured by opportunity-by-opportunity data collected during each therapy session.
- Timeframe
- By the annual IEP review date
- Condition
- Given 10 picture pairs that show two related ideas (such as a child with an umbrella who is still wet)
- Behavior
- The student will say one sentence that joins the two ideas with and, but, or or (such as "She had an umbrella, but she got wet") independently
- Criteria
- With at least 80% accuracy on compound sentence prompts, across 3 consecutive therapy sessions
- Evaluation method
- Opportunity-by-opportunity data
- Schedule
- During each therapy session
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 80% accuracy on compound sentence prompts
- Mastery rule:
- across 3 consecutive therapy sessions
- Collection schedule:
- during each therapy session
- Method:
- Opportunity (trial) recording
- Data collector:
Goal: By the annual IEP review date, given 10 picture pairs that show two related ideas (such as a child with an umbrella who is still wet), the student will say one sentence that joins the two ideas with and, but, or or (such as "She had an umbrella, but she got wet") independently with at least 80% accuracy on compound sentence prompts, across 3 consecutive therapy sessions, as measured by opportunity-by-opportunity data collected during each therapy session.
| 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.