Organize a paragraph by categories
When to use this goal
For students who list examples (types of rocks, kinds of government) without grouping them or explaining what puts each in its group. Present levels should show informational paragraphs; the target is classification structure.
- Baseline
- Score two classification responses from science or social studies, each row 0 to 3. Note whether the student lists examples without features, or features without examples.
- Tips
- Sorting real objects or pictures before writing makes categories concrete. Classification is common in science and social studies texts; this structure also helps reading.
- Limits
- Content knowledge drives the feature and example rows. Topics vary in how clean their categories are. Conventions are not scored.
Original IEP Atlas template based on general measurement principles; not copied from any goal bank. ID wr-par-044.
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Goal
By the annual IEP review date, given a content topic with clear categories (such as types of rocks or branches of government) and class notes, the student will write a paragraph that names the topic and how many categories there are, describes each category with its defining feature and an example, and uses a transition before each new category independently, earning a score of at least 9 out of 12 on a 12-point classification paragraph rubric, on 3 of 4 consecutive scored paragraphs, 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 goal556 characters
- By the annual IEP review date, given a content topic with clear categories (such as types of rocks or branches of government) and class notes, the student will write a paragraph that names the topic and how many categories there are, describes each category with its defining feature and an example, and uses a transition before each new category independently, earning a score of at least 9 out of 12 on a 12-point classification 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
- Given a content topic with clear categories (such as types of rocks or branches of government) and class notes
- Behavior
- The student will write a paragraph that names the topic and how many categories there are, describes each category with its defining feature and an example, and uses a transition before each new category independently
- Criteria
- Earning a score of at least 9 out of 12 on a 12-point classification 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 9 out of 12 on a 12-point classification 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, given a content topic with clear categories (such as types of rocks or branches of government) and class notes, the student will write a paragraph that names the topic and how many categories there are, describes each category with its defining feature and an example, and uses a transition before each new category independently, earning a score of at least 9 out of 12 on a 12-point classification paragraph rubric, on 3 of 4 consecutive scored paragraphs, as measured by a defined scoring rubric collected every two weeks.
| Date | Task / sample | Topic sentence names the topic and number of categories | Each category has its defining feature | Each category has an accurate example | Transitions mark each new category | Total (of 12) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Preview shows 4 of 12 rows.
- Score each sample with a 12-point classification 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.