Write a personal narrative with a beginning, middle, and end
Live goal preview
By the annual IEP review date, given a personal narrative prompt and a 30-minute writing period, the student will write a personal narrative with a clear beginning, middle, and end independently, earning a score of at least 11 out of 15 on a 15-point narrative writing rubric, on 3 of 4 consecutive scored writing samples, as measured by a defined scoring rubric collected every two weeks.
Baseline: 6 out of 15 rubric points.
- Condition
- Observable behavior
- Criterion
- Measurement method
Measurability check10 of 10 met
All structural checks are met.
Met: Observable behavior. The behavior is stated as an action.
Met: Condition. The goal states when or under what conditions the behavior occurs.
Met: Unit fits the behavior. Rubric score is a reasonable way to quantify this behavior.
Met: Explicit criterion. The success criterion is stated with a number and unit.
Met: Mastery rule and schedule. Mastery rule and collection schedule are stated.
Met: Method produces the metric. Rubric scoring can produce rubric score data.
Met: Review timeframe. The goal includes a timeframe.
Met: Baseline and target compatible. Baseline and target use the same unit and show change in the intended direction.
Met: Aligned with area of need. The wording still relates to Written Expression.
Met: Level of support. The level of support is defined.
What this checks: the goal's structure and wording, using fixed rules: observable behavior, condition, criterion, method, mastery rule, timeframe, baseline/target consistency, and support. It can't judge whether the goal is appropriate, ambitious enough, or legally sufficient for a particular student. That requires assessment data and the IEP team.
About this template
- Level guidance
- Fits students who can write several related sentences but whose stories list events without an order, a setting, or an ending. Present levels and writing samples, not grade level, decide whether the full narrative is the right annual target or whether a short event sequence comes first.
- Baseline considerations
- Score two or three narratives written under the same conditions as the goal (same prompt type, time, and supports) and use the typical score. Note which rubric rows are lowest; they often point to the first instructional target. Record the response mode, since dictated and handwritten stories can differ a great deal.
- Usage notes
- Share the rubric with the student and score every sample with the same version. Rotate prompts so the student is not rewriting the same story. Individualize the rubric rows to the features named in present levels, and keep 0–3 score descriptors written down so different scorers agree.
- Known limitations
- Rubric scores depend on scorer judgment; check agreement by double-scoring a few samples. The rubric does not separately measure spelling or handwriting, which can mask a strong story or inflate a weak one depending on the scorer. Prompts vary in difficulty, so look at the trend rather than single scores.
- Source
- Original IEP Atlas draft (AI-assisted) based on general measurement principles; not copied from any goal bank. Template ID
wr-exp-002.
Short-term objectives (optional)
When are objectives required?Federal IDEA regulations require benchmarks or short-term objectives only for students who take alternate assessments aligned to alternate academic achievement standards (34 CFR §300.320(a)(2)(ii)). Your state or district may require them more broadly.
Matching data sheet
Rubric tracker. Your goal is a rubric score, so the sheet scores each rubric criterion and totals them.
Rubric tracker
Rubric score- Student label:
- Target:
- earning a score of at least 11 out of 15 on a 15-point narrative writing rubric
- Mastery rule:
- on 3 of 4 consecutive scored writing samples
- Collection schedule:
- every two weeks
- Method:
- Rubric scoring
- Data collector:
Goal: By the annual IEP review date, given a personal narrative prompt and a 30-minute writing period, the student will write a personal narrative with a clear beginning, middle, and end independently, earning a score of at least 11 out of 15 on a 15-point narrative writing rubric, on 3 of 4 consecutive scored writing samples, as measured by a defined scoring rubric collected every two weeks.
| Date | Task / sample | Beginning introduces the characters and setting | Events are told in a logical time order | Transition words signal the order of events | Details describe actions, dialogue, or characters' thoughts | Ending brings the narrative to a close | Total (of 15) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Preview shows 4 of 12 rows.
- Score each sample with a 15-point narrative writing rubric. Attach or reference the rubric's score descriptors.
- Use the same prompt type and conditions for each scored sample.
- If two people score, check agreement on a few samples before relying on the data.
The CSV opens in Excel or Google Sheets with formulas for the calculated columns. Sheets are blank: IEP Atlas doesn't store student data.