Write a topic sentence for a set of details
When to use this goal
For students whose paragraphs begin with a detail or with a sentence that does not state the main idea, and who cannot say what a group of sentences is about. Present levels should show the student can write a complete sentence; reading level matters, so read the details aloud if needed.
- Baseline
- Give two probes of five sets. A topic sentence is correct when it is a complete sentence, covers all the details, and is not simply one of the details restated. Record the error type: too narrow (restates a detail), too broad (about everything), or not a sentence.
- Tips
- Build sets where details are clearly related and the main idea is concrete (reasons dogs make good pets). Teach the student to say the topic in a phrase first, then turn it into a sentence. Once reliable, check whether paragraphs in the student's own writing begin with a topic sentence.
- Limits
- Writing a topic sentence for given details is easier than generating a topic and details together. Five items make each worth 20 points. Judging too broad versus acceptable requires a written rule.
Original IEP Atlas template based on general measurement principles; not copied from any goal bank. ID wr-par-008.
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Goal
By the annual IEP review date, given five sets of three related detail sentences, each set missing its topic sentence, the student will write a topic sentence for each set that states what all the details are about independently with at least 80% accuracy on detail sets, in 3 of 4 consecutive weekly probes, as measured by work-sample analysis collected weekly.
Baseline: 20% 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. Work-sample analysis 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 Paragraph Organization.
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 - Paragraph Organization
- Baseline
- 20% accuracy.
- Annual goal362 characters
- By the annual IEP review date, given five sets of three related detail sentences, each set missing its topic sentence, the student will write a topic sentence for each set that states what all the details are about independently with at least 80% accuracy on detail sets, in 3 of 4 consecutive weekly probes, as measured by work-sample analysis collected weekly.
- Timeframe
- By the annual IEP review date
- Condition
- Given five sets of three related detail sentences, each set missing its topic sentence
- Behavior
- The student will write a topic sentence for each set that states what all the details are about independently
- Criteria
- With at least 80% accuracy on detail sets, in 3 of 4 consecutive weekly probes
- Evaluation method
- Work-sample analysis
- Schedule
- Weekly
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 detail sets
- Mastery rule:
- in 3 of 4 consecutive weekly probes
- Collection schedule:
- weekly
- Method:
- Work-sample analysis
- Data collector:
Goal: By the annual IEP review date, given five sets of three related detail sentences, each set missing its topic sentence, the student will write a topic sentence for each set that states what all the details are about independently with at least 80% accuracy on detail sets, in 3 of 4 consecutive weekly probes, as measured by work-sample analysis collected weekly.
| 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.