Describe a picture with when, while, or because
When to use this goal
For upper elementary students who write only short simple sentences about pictures and are ready to show how two events connect. Present levels should show reliable simple and compound sentences.
- Baseline
- Give two picture prompts and score each row 0 to 3 across three sentences. Note whether the student uses because for every connection or uses conjunctions that do not match the meaning.
- Tips
- Pick pictures where the connection is clear. Talk about what each word means: when for time, while for at the same time, because for a reason. This bridges to complex sentences in the student's own writing.
- Limits
- Pictures may suggest only one type of connection; rotate them. Punctuation rules for complex sentences vary by clause order; score only completeness and end marks at this level. Three sentences is a small sample.
Original IEP Atlas template based on general measurement principles; not copied from any goal bank. ID wr-sen-036.
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Goal
By the annual IEP review date, given a picture that shows two connected events (such as a girl holding an umbrella while it rains) and 10 minutes, the student will write three sentences about the picture that each join two connected ideas with when, while, or because independently, earning a score of at least 7 out of 9 on a 9-point complex sentence rubric, on 3 of 4 consecutive weekly samples, as measured by a defined scoring rubric collected weekly.
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 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
- 2 out of 9 rubric points.
- Annual goal455 characters
- By the annual IEP review date, given a picture that shows two connected events (such as a girl holding an umbrella while it rains) and 10 minutes, the student will write three sentences about the picture that each join two connected ideas with when, while, or because independently, earning a score of at least 7 out of 9 on a 9-point complex sentence rubric, on 3 of 4 consecutive weekly samples, as measured by a defined scoring rubric collected weekly.
- Timeframe
- By the annual IEP review date
- Condition
- Given a picture that shows two connected events (such as a girl holding an umbrella while it rains) and 10 minutes
- Behavior
- The student will write three sentences about the picture that each join two connected ideas with when, while, or because independently
- Criteria
- Earning a score of at least 7 out of 9 on a 9-point complex sentence rubric, on 3 of 4 consecutive weekly samples
- Evaluation method
- A defined scoring rubric
- Schedule
- Weekly
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 complex sentence rubric
- Mastery rule:
- on 3 of 4 consecutive weekly samples
- Collection schedule:
- weekly
- Method:
- Rubric scoring
- Data collector:
Goal: By the annual IEP review date, given a picture that shows two connected events (such as a girl holding an umbrella while it rains) and 10 minutes, the student will write three sentences about the picture that each join two connected ideas with when, while, or because independently, earning a score of at least 7 out of 9 on a 9-point complex sentence rubric, on 3 of 4 consecutive weekly samples, as measured by a defined scoring rubric collected weekly.
| Date | Task / sample | Each sentence joins two ideas with when, while, or because | The connection matches what the picture shows | Each sentence is complete and punctuated | Total (of 9) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Preview shows 4 of 12 rows.
- Score each sample with a 9-point complex sentence 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.