Write a lab report with a question, procedure, results, and conclusion
When to use this goal
For students who complete science investigations but turn in write-ups that are a single sentence, skip the results, or mix up what they did with what they found. Present levels should show paragraph-level writing; the goal applies it to the lab format.
- Baseline
- Score two recent lab write-ups with each row 0 to 3. The conclusion row is usually lowest because students restate results without answering the question. Ask the student to explain the lab orally; a complete oral account with a thin write-up shows the gap is in writing.
- Tips
- Use the science teacher's template so the report counts for class. Score the writing with this rubric and let the science teacher score the science. Labs come at different rates, so pair with a more frequent paragraph goal.
- Limits
- Monthly data points are few. Reports depend on the student having done the lab and understood it; a missing conclusion may be a science problem. Group labs make it hard to know whose work the write-up reflects.
Original IEP Atlas template based on general measurement principles; not copied from any goal bank. ID wr-exp-025.
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Goal
By the annual IEP review date, after completing a science investigation, given a lab report template and one class period to write, the student will write a lab report that states the question, lists the procedure steps in order, reports the results with data, and writes a conclusion that answers the question independently, earning a score of at least 10 out of 12 on a 12-point lab report rubric, on 3 of 4 consecutive scored lab reports, as measured by a defined scoring rubric collected monthly.
Baseline: 4 out of 12 rubric points.
- 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. Rubric score fits this behavior.
Met: Explicit criterion. Number and unit stated.
Met: Mastery rule and schedule. Both stated.
Met: Method produces the metric. Rubric scoring gives rubric score 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
- 4 out of 12 rubric points.
- Annual goal500 characters
- By the annual IEP review date, after completing a science investigation, given a lab report template and one class period to write, the student will write a lab report that states the question, lists the procedure steps in order, reports the results with data, and writes a conclusion that answers the question independently, earning a score of at least 10 out of 12 on a 12-point lab report rubric, on 3 of 4 consecutive scored lab reports, as measured by a defined scoring rubric collected monthly.
- Timeframe
- By the annual IEP review date
- Condition
- After completing a science investigation, given a lab report template and one class period to write
- Behavior
- The student will write a lab report that states the question, lists the procedure steps in order, reports the results with data, and writes a conclusion that answers the question independently
- Criteria
- Earning a score of at least 10 out of 12 on a 12-point lab report rubric, on 3 of 4 consecutive scored lab reports
- Evaluation method
- A defined scoring rubric
- Schedule
- Monthly
Copied as plain text, with straight quotes and plain dashes.
Matching data sheet
Rubric tracker. Scores each rubric criterion and totals them.
Rubric tracker
Rubric score- Student label:
- Target:
- earning a score of at least 10 out of 12 on a 12-point lab report rubric
- Mastery rule:
- on 3 of 4 consecutive scored lab reports
- Collection schedule:
- monthly
- Method:
- Rubric scoring
- Data collector:
Goal: By the annual IEP review date, after completing a science investigation, given a lab report template and one class period to write, the student will write a lab report that states the question, lists the procedure steps in order, reports the results with data, and writes a conclusion that answers the question independently, earning a score of at least 10 out of 12 on a 12-point lab report rubric, on 3 of 4 consecutive scored lab reports, as measured by a defined scoring rubric collected monthly.
| Date | Task / sample | States the question or purpose of the investigation | Lists the procedure as ordered steps | Reports results using the data collected | Conclusion answers the question using the results | Total (of 12) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Preview shows 4 of 12 rows.
- Score each sample with a 12-point lab report 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. Sheets print blank; no student data is stored.