Organize a counterargument and rebuttal paragraph
When to use this goal
For students who write one-sided arguments or mention the other side and then leave it unanswered. Present levels should show organized argument body paragraphs; the target is a full paragraph that states, concedes, and answers the other side.
- Baseline
- Score counterargument paragraphs from two argument essays, each row 0 to 3. If the student has never written one, use a short practice prompt. Note whether the rebuttal uses evidence or just repeats the claim.
- Tips
- Debates or quick partner arguments before writing help students hear the other side. Choose topics with two reasonable positions. This paragraph strengthens any argument essay goal.
- Limits
- Fairly stating the other side takes perspective-taking that some students find hard; pair with discussion. Scores depend on available evidence. Conventions are not scored.
Original IEP Atlas template based on general measurement principles; not copied from any goal bank. ID wr-par-040.
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Goal
By the annual IEP review date, when writing an argument essay with a counterargument paragraph, the student will write a paragraph that states the opposing view fairly, gives its strongest reason, and answers it with evidence that supports the student's claim independently, earning a score of at least 7 out of 9 on a 9-point counterargument paragraph rubric, on 3 of 4 consecutive scored paragraphs, as measured by a defined scoring rubric collected every two weeks.
Baseline: 2 out of 9 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
- 2 out of 9 rubric points.
- Annual goal468 characters
- By the annual IEP review date, when writing an argument essay with a counterargument paragraph, the student will write a paragraph that states the opposing view fairly, gives its strongest reason, and answers it with evidence that supports the student's claim independently, earning a score of at least 7 out of 9 on a 9-point counterargument paragraph rubric, on 3 of 4 consecutive scored paragraphs, as measured by a defined scoring rubric collected every two weeks.
- Timeframe
- By the annual IEP review date
- Condition
- When writing an argument essay with a counterargument paragraph
- Behavior
- The student will write a paragraph that states the opposing view fairly, gives its strongest reason, and answers it with evidence that supports the student's claim independently
- Criteria
- Earning a score of at least 7 out of 9 on a 9-point counterargument paragraph rubric, on 3 of 4 consecutive scored paragraphs
- 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 7 out of 9 on a 9-point counterargument paragraph rubric
- Mastery rule:
- on 3 of 4 consecutive scored paragraphs
- Collection schedule:
- every two weeks
- Method:
- Rubric scoring
- Data collector:
Goal: By the annual IEP review date, when writing an argument essay with a counterargument paragraph, the student will write a paragraph that states the opposing view fairly, gives its strongest reason, and answers it with evidence that supports the student's claim independently, earning a score of at least 7 out of 9 on a 9-point counterargument paragraph rubric, on 3 of 4 consecutive scored paragraphs, as measured by a defined scoring rubric collected every two weeks.
| Date | Task / sample | States the opposing view fairly | Gives the opposing view's strongest reason | Answers it with evidence and links back to the claim | Total (of 9) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Preview shows 4 of 12 rows.
- Score each sample with a 9-point counterargument 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.