Write a thesis with a claim and reasons
When to use this goal
For middle school students whose essay openings announce the topic (This essay is about school uniforms) instead of stating a position, or state a position with no roadmap. Present levels should show the student can give an opinion with reasons orally.
- Baseline
- Give one or two probes of eight prompts. Score a thesis correct when it takes a position someone could disagree with and previews at least two reasons. Note announcements (This essay is about) and facts that are not arguable.
- Tips
- Short thesis probes take ten minutes and give frequent data. Use prompts from the student's classes when possible. Once the frame is easy, accept theses that preview reasons in other ways.
- Limits
- A thesis on a probe does not guarantee an essay that follows it. Some prompts suit a three-reason thesis better than others. Formula theses can sound stiff; that is fine as a stage.
Original IEP Atlas template based on general measurement principles; not copied from any goal bank. ID wr-par-036.
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Goal
By the annual IEP review date, given eight essay prompts on familiar or class topics, the student will write a one-sentence thesis for each prompt that states a clear position and names two or three reasons in the order they will be discussed independently with at least 80% accuracy on essay prompts, in 3 of 4 consecutive biweekly probes, as measured by work-sample analysis collected every two weeks.
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 goal403 characters
- By the annual IEP review date, given eight essay prompts on familiar or class topics, the student will write a one-sentence thesis for each prompt that states a clear position and names two or three reasons in the order they will be discussed independently with at least 80% accuracy on essay prompts, in 3 of 4 consecutive biweekly probes, as measured by work-sample analysis collected every two weeks.
- Timeframe
- By the annual IEP review date
- Condition
- Given eight essay prompts on familiar or class topics
- Behavior
- The student will write a one-sentence thesis for each prompt that states a clear position and names two or three reasons in the order they will be discussed independently
- Criteria
- With at least 80% accuracy on essay prompts, in 3 of 4 consecutive biweekly probes
- Evaluation method
- Work-sample analysis
- Schedule
- Every two weeks
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 essay prompts
- Mastery rule:
- in 3 of 4 consecutive biweekly probes
- Collection schedule:
- every two weeks
- Method:
- Work-sample analysis
- Data collector:
Goal: By the annual IEP review date, given eight essay prompts on familiar or class topics, the student will write a one-sentence thesis for each prompt that states a clear position and names two or three reasons in the order they will be discussed independently with at least 80% accuracy on essay prompts, in 3 of 4 consecutive biweekly probes, as measured by work-sample analysis collected every two weeks.
| 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.