Write four related sentences about a main idea
When to use this goal
For students who write one good sentence and then stop or drift to unrelated ideas, as a step between single sentences and a paragraph. Present levels should show reliable single-sentence writing.
- Baseline
- Give the task five times over one to two weeks. A trial succeeds only when all four sentences are complete and relate to the main idea. Record the number of complete, on-topic sentences in each trial as well, so partial growth (two to three sentences) is visible.
- Tips
- Use main ideas about things the student knows well. Teach idea generation with question words before expecting four sentences. This goal leads naturally into the paragraph-organization templates once four related sentences are reliable.
- Limits
- Four related sentences are not a paragraph; there is no requirement for order, a topic sentence, or a conclusion. Repetitive sentences (I like dogs. Dogs are nice. I like dogs a lot.) can meet the rule, so define what counts as a new idea.
Original IEP Atlas template based on general measurement principles; not copied from any goal bank. ID wr-sen-018.
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Goal
By the annual IEP review date, given a main idea stated as a sentence and 15 minutes to write, the student will write four complete sentences that each tell something about the main idea independently in at least 4 of 5 opportunities, across 3 consecutive weeks of data, as measured by opportunity-by-opportunity data collected weekly.
Baseline: 1 of 5 opportunities.
- 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. Opportunities fits this behavior.
Met: Explicit criterion. Number and unit stated.
Met: Mastery rule and schedule. Both stated.
Met: Method produces the metric. Opportunity (trial) recording gives opportunities 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 Sentence Construction.
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 - Sentence Construction
- Baseline
- 1 of 5 opportunities.
- Annual goal335 characters
- By the annual IEP review date, given a main idea stated as a sentence and 15 minutes to write, the student will write four complete sentences that each tell something about the main idea independently in at least 4 of 5 opportunities, across 3 consecutive weeks of data, as measured by opportunity-by-opportunity data collected weekly.
- Timeframe
- By the annual IEP review date
- Condition
- Given a main idea stated as a sentence and 15 minutes to write
- Behavior
- The student will write four complete sentences that each tell something about the main idea independently
- Criteria
- In at least 4 of 5 opportunities, across 3 consecutive weeks of data
- Evaluation method
- Opportunity-by-opportunity data
- Schedule
- Weekly
Copied as plain text, with straight quotes and plain dashes.
Matching data sheet
Opportunity tracker. One box per opportunity in each session.
Opportunity tracker
Opportunities- Student label:
- Target:
- in at least 4 of 5 opportunities
- Mastery rule:
- across 3 consecutive weeks of data
- Collection schedule:
- weekly
- Method:
- Opportunity (trial) recording
- Data collector:
Goal: By the annual IEP review date, given a main idea stated as a sentence and 15 minutes to write, the student will write four complete sentences that each tell something about the main idea independently in at least 4 of 5 opportunities, across 3 consecutive weeks of data, as measured by opportunity-by-opportunity data collected weekly.
Key: + demonstrated independently · P demonstrated with a prompt (note type) · − not demonstrated · NA no opportunity occurred
| Date | Activity / context | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | # + (of 5) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Preview shows 4 of 12 rows.
- Record up to 5 opportunities per session, matching the goal's denominator.
- Define in advance what counts as an opportunity so every data collector records the same thing.
- Count only + marks toward the criterion unless the goal specifies prompted responses.
The CSV opens in Excel or Google Sheets, with formulas. Sheets print blank; no student data is stored.