Structure a cover letter in clear paragraphs
When to use this goal
For transition-age students applying for jobs or programs who write cover letters as a single paragraph listing traits. Present levels should show paragraph writing; the target is the opening, qualifications, and closing structure employers expect.
- Baseline
- Score one cover letter draft, each row 0 to 3. If none exists, use a short practice posting. Note whether the student connects experiences to the job or just lists them.
- Tips
- Use real postings for jobs the student wants. Coordinate with the transition coordinator and pair with the resume goal. The student decides what to share about themselves.
- Limits
- Job search periods may be short. Students with few experiences have less to connect; the team can build experiences alongside. Conventions matter for real letters; add an editing step.
Original IEP Atlas template based on general measurement principles; not copied from any goal bank. ID wr-par-055.
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Goal
By the annual IEP review date, given a real job or program posting, the student's resume, and two writing sessions, the student will write a cover letter with an opening paragraph that names the position, a middle paragraph that connects two of the student's experiences to the job's requirements, and a closing paragraph that asks for next steps independently, earning a score of at least 9 out of 12 on a 12-point cover letter rubric, on 2 consecutive scored letters, as measured by a defined scoring rubric collected every two weeks during job search periods.
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 goal562 characters
- By the annual IEP review date, given a real job or program posting, the student's resume, and two writing sessions, the student will write a cover letter with an opening paragraph that names the position, a middle paragraph that connects two of the student's experiences to the job's requirements, and a closing paragraph that asks for next steps independently, earning a score of at least 9 out of 12 on a 12-point cover letter rubric, on 2 consecutive scored letters, as measured by a defined scoring rubric collected every two weeks during job search periods.
- Timeframe
- By the annual IEP review date
- Condition
- Given a real job or program posting, the student's resume, and two writing sessions
- Behavior
- The student will write a cover letter with an opening paragraph that names the position, a middle paragraph that connects two of the student's experiences to the job's requirements, and a closing paragraph that asks for next steps independently
- Criteria
- Earning a score of at least 9 out of 12 on a 12-point cover letter rubric, on 2 consecutive scored letters
- Evaluation method
- A defined scoring rubric
- Schedule
- Every two weeks during job search periods
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 cover letter rubric
- Mastery rule:
- on 2 consecutive scored letters
- Collection schedule:
- every two weeks during job search periods
- Method:
- Rubric scoring
- Data collector:
Goal: By the annual IEP review date, given a real job or program posting, the student's resume, and two writing sessions, the student will write a cover letter with an opening paragraph that names the position, a middle paragraph that connects two of the student's experiences to the job's requirements, and a closing paragraph that asks for next steps independently, earning a score of at least 9 out of 12 on a 12-point cover letter rubric, on 2 consecutive scored letters, as measured by a defined scoring rubric collected every two weeks during job search periods.
| Date | Task / sample | Opening names the position and how the student learned of it | Middle paragraph links experiences to the job's requirements | Closing asks for an interview or next step and thanks the reader | Letter format includes date, greeting, and signature | Total (of 12) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Preview shows 4 of 12 rows.
- Score each sample with a 12-point cover letter 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.