Split a topic into two paragraphs
When to use this goal
For students who write one strong paragraph but put everything into one block when a task has two parts or two subtopics. Present levels should show consistent single paragraphs with a topic sentence; this is the bridge to multi-paragraph writing.
- Baseline
- Score two pieces written to two-part prompts, each row 0 to 3. Note whether the student writes one block, two paragraphs with mixed details, or skips the second part.
- Tips
- Choose subtopics that are clearly different so the split is easy to see. Show how the paragraph break signals a new idea to the reader. Increase to three paragraphs when this is steady.
- Limits
- Two subtopics given by the teacher are easier than finding them alone. Content knowledge affects the details row. Conventions are not scored.
Original IEP Atlas template based on general measurement principles; not copied from any goal bank. ID wr-par-032.
Sign in to add this goal to a student.
Goal
By the annual IEP review date, given an informational topic with two subtopics (such as what an animal eats and where it lives) and two writing sessions, the student will write two paragraphs, one for each subtopic, each with its own topic sentence and at least two details, with a new paragraph started for the second subtopic independently, earning a score of at least 8 out of 12 on a 12-point two-paragraph rubric, on 3 of 4 consecutive scored pieces, as measured by a defined scoring rubric collected every two weeks.
Baseline: 3 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 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
- 3 out of 12 rubric points.
- Annual goal522 characters
- By the annual IEP review date, given an informational topic with two subtopics (such as what an animal eats and where it lives) and two writing sessions, the student will write two paragraphs, one for each subtopic, each with its own topic sentence and at least two details, with a new paragraph started for the second subtopic independently, earning a score of at least 8 out of 12 on a 12-point two-paragraph rubric, on 3 of 4 consecutive scored pieces, as measured by a defined scoring rubric collected every two weeks.
- Timeframe
- By the annual IEP review date
- Condition
- Given an informational topic with two subtopics (such as what an animal eats and where it lives) and two writing sessions
- Behavior
- The student will write two paragraphs, one for each subtopic, each with its own topic sentence and at least two details, with a new paragraph started for the second subtopic independently
- Criteria
- Earning a score of at least 8 out of 12 on a 12-point two-paragraph rubric, on 3 of 4 consecutive scored pieces
- Evaluation method
- A defined scoring rubric
- Schedule
- Every two weeks
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 8 out of 12 on a 12-point two-paragraph rubric
- Mastery rule:
- on 3 of 4 consecutive scored pieces
- Collection schedule:
- every two weeks
- Method:
- Rubric scoring
- Data collector:
Goal: By the annual IEP review date, given an informational topic with two subtopics (such as what an animal eats and where it lives) and two writing sessions, the student will write two paragraphs, one for each subtopic, each with its own topic sentence and at least two details, with a new paragraph started for the second subtopic independently, earning a score of at least 8 out of 12 on a 12-point two-paragraph rubric, on 3 of 4 consecutive scored pieces, as measured by a defined scoring rubric collected every two weeks.
| Date | Task / sample | Each paragraph has its own topic sentence | Each paragraph has at least two details on its subtopic | Details are in the right paragraph | A new paragraph starts for the second subtopic | Total (of 12) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Preview shows 4 of 12 rows.
- Score each sample with a 12-point two-paragraph 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.