Dictate a sentence about a drawing for an adult to write
When to use this goal
Fits preschool and kindergarten students who draw or scribble but do not yet produce a message in words when asked what their picture says. Present levels in oral language decide fit: the student should already be using short phrases in conversation.
- Baseline
- During five journal or center sessions, ask the student what the picture is about and write down exactly what is said. Count a sentence only if it has a subject and a verb and relates to the drawing; a single label such as a dog is recorded but not counted. Note whether the student volunteers a message before being asked.
- Tips
- Write the dictation in front of the student and read it back while pointing to each word, which links speech to print. Accept sentences in the student's home language if an adult can record them. Students who use AAC can compose the sentence on their device and the adult transcribes it.
- Limits
- This measures oral composition, not transcription; it does not show letter or word writing. Dictation depends on an adult being available, so sessions must be planned. Students who are reluctant to talk to adults may need the opportunities embedded in play rather than at a table.
Original IEP Atlas template based on general measurement principles; not copied from any goal bank. ID wr-exp-007.
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Goal
By the annual IEP review date, after completing a drawing during center or journal time, the student will dictate a complete sentence about the drawing for an adult to write under it with one open question such as what is happening in your picture in at least 4 of 5 opportunities, across 3 consecutive weeks of data, 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 Written Expression.
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
- Writing - Written Expression
- Baseline
- 1 of 5 opportunities.
- Annual goal382 characters
- By the annual IEP review date, after completing a drawing during center or journal time, the student will dictate a complete sentence about the drawing for an adult to write under it with one open question such as what is happening in your picture in at least 4 of 5 opportunities, across 3 consecutive weeks of data, as measured by opportunity-by-opportunity data collected weekly.
- Timeframe
- By the annual IEP review date
- Condition
- After completing a drawing during center or journal time
- Behavior
- The student will dictate a complete sentence about the drawing for an adult to write under it with one open question such as what is happening in your picture
- Criteria
- In at least 4 of 5 opportunities, across 3 consecutive weeks of data
- 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 weeks of data
- Collection schedule:
- weekly
- Method:
- Opportunity (trial) recording
- Data collector:
Goal: By the annual IEP review date, after completing a drawing during center or journal time, the student will dictate a complete sentence about the drawing for an adult to write under it with one open question such as what is happening in your picture in at least 4 of 5 opportunities, across 3 consecutive weeks of data, 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.