Cite sources in a full research paper
When to use this goal
For high school students who can take notes and write essays but whose research papers stitch quotes together, lack a thesis, or have no citations. Present levels should show the note-taking and essay skills are in place; the goal targets synthesis and documentation in a full paper.
- Baseline
- Score the most recent research paper or a shorter research task, each row 0 to 3. If no paper exists, score a two-source essay and note it. Check the citation rows separately from the content rows; they often need different instruction.
- Tips
- Research papers come only a few times a year, so plan data collection with the English or history teacher at the start of the year. Citation generators are a fair tool; check that the student can match each citation to a source. The research checkpoint goal (wr-exp-041) pairs well with this one.
- Limits
- With one or two papers a year, this goal shows growth slowly; use the progression steps on shorter tasks between papers. Scores depend on source reading level. The rubric does not score conventions.
Original IEP Atlas template based on general measurement principles; not copied from any goal bank. ID wr-exp-040.
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Goal
By the annual IEP review date, given a research paper assignment of 3 to 5 pages, at least three approved sources, and four weeks of class and homework time, the student will write a research paper that states a thesis, supports it with information from at least three sources, cites each source in the text, and includes a works cited page independently, earning a score of at least 12 out of 15 on a 15-point research paper rubric, on 2 consecutive research papers, as measured by a defined scoring rubric collected per research paper, at least once a quarter.
Baseline: 6 out of 15 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
- 6 out of 15 rubric points.
- Annual goal562 characters
- By the annual IEP review date, given a research paper assignment of 3 to 5 pages, at least three approved sources, and four weeks of class and homework time, the student will write a research paper that states a thesis, supports it with information from at least three sources, cites each source in the text, and includes a works cited page independently, earning a score of at least 12 out of 15 on a 15-point research paper rubric, on 2 consecutive research papers, as measured by a defined scoring rubric collected per research paper, at least once a quarter.
- Timeframe
- By the annual IEP review date
- Condition
- Given a research paper assignment of 3 to 5 pages, at least three approved sources, and four weeks of class and homework time
- Behavior
- The student will write a research paper that states a thesis, supports it with information from at least three sources, cites each source in the text, and includes a works cited page independently
- Criteria
- Earning a score of at least 12 out of 15 on a 15-point research paper rubric, on 2 consecutive research papers
- Evaluation method
- A defined scoring rubric
- Schedule
- Per research paper, at least once a quarter
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 12 out of 15 on a 15-point research paper rubric
- Mastery rule:
- on 2 consecutive research papers
- Collection schedule:
- per research paper, at least once a quarter
- Method:
- Rubric scoring
- Data collector:
Goal: By the annual IEP review date, given a research paper assignment of 3 to 5 pages, at least three approved sources, and four weeks of class and homework time, the student will write a research paper that states a thesis, supports it with information from at least three sources, cites each source in the text, and includes a works cited page independently, earning a score of at least 12 out of 15 on a 15-point research paper rubric, on 2 consecutive research papers, as measured by a defined scoring rubric collected per research paper, at least once a quarter.
| Date | Task / sample | States a focused thesis | Supports the thesis with information from at least three sources | Puts source ideas in the student's own words or marks quotations | Cites each source in the text | Includes a correctly formatted works cited page | Total (of 15) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Preview shows 4 of 12 rows.
- Score each sample with a 15-point research paper 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.