70%

60%

50%

40%

0%

Probe 1
Wk 2

Probe 2
Wk 4

Probe 3
Wk 6

Probe 4
Wk 8

Probe 5
Wk 10

Probe 6
Wk 12

Biweekly Scoring Log

Biweekly Progress Monitoring Kit • Section 2: Data Graph & Log Page 2 of 5

Standardized IEP Probes Probes 1 – 3 • Weeks 2, 4, 6

Biweekly Writing Probes: Cycle 1

Conditions: 40 min • Unassisted Writing

Directions to Student: "Read the brief topic context. Write a multi-paragraph response with a clear introduction, body paragraphs featuring evidence and elaboration, and a concluding paragraph. Strive for 80% or higher."

1 Probe 1 (Week 2): School Starting Times Target: Multi-Paragraph

Context: Pediatricians suggest that middle school students require 9 to 10 hours of sleep per night for optimal brain development. Some school districts have shifted morning bells from 7:30 AM to 8:45 AM, reporting higher attendance and fewer tardies, while others argue later schedules conflict with after-school jobs, sports, and family schedules.

Writing Prompt: Write a multi-paragraph composition arguing whether your school district should or should not adopt a later start time for middle schoolers. Support your position with clear reasons, evidence, and elaboration.

2 Probe 2 (Week 4): Community Service Requirement Target: Multi-Paragraph

Context: Several states are considering requiring every middle school student to complete 20 hours of volunteer community service each school year. Proponents argue that volunteering develops empathy, civic duty, and leadership. Opponents believe forced volunteering causes undue stress and reduces time needed for academics and rest.

Writing Prompt: Write a multi-paragraph composition explaining whether community service should be mandatory for all middle school students. Ensure you establish a clear claim, provide relevant evidence, and thoroughly elaborate.

3 Probe 3 (Week 6): Year-Round School Calendars Target: Multi-Paragraph

Context: Traditional school systems feature a 10-week summer vacation, leading to documented "summer slide" learning loss. Year-round calendars maintain the same 180 instructional days, but spread short 2-to-3 week breaks throughout every season. Critics point out that year-round schedules complicate family vacations and youth summer camps.

Writing Prompt: Write a multi-paragraph essay evaluating whether a year-round school calendar is more beneficial than a traditional school calendar. Include an introduction, body paragraphs with evidence and elaboration, and a conclusion.

Biweekly Progress Monitoring Kit • Section 3: Standardized Probes 1–3 Page 3 of 5

Standardized IEP Probes Probes 4 – 6 • Weeks 8, 10, 12

Biweekly Writing Probes: Cycle 2

Conditions: 40 min • Unassisted Writing

4 Probe 4 (Week 8): Artificial Intelligence in Homework Target: Multi-Paragraph

Context: Artificial intelligence chatbots and automated writing tools can answer questions, summarize long articles, and generate essay outlines in seconds. Some educators believe AI acts as an interactive personal tutor, while others argue that relying on AI prevents students from developing critical reading, thinking, and problem-solving skills.

Writing Prompt: Write a multi-paragraph composition arguing whether middle schools should allow students to use AI tools for homework assignments. Support your claim with solid reasons, evidence, and clear elaboration.

5 Probe 5 (Week 10): Eliminating Single-Use Plastics Target: Multi-Paragraph

Context: School cafeterias across the nation discard millions of single-use plastic forks, trays, and water bottles daily, polluting landfills and waterways. Switching to washable trays and metal utensils significantly reduces plastic waste, but requires schools to invest in commercial dishwashers and additional cafeteria staff.

Writing Prompt: Write a multi-paragraph composition arguing whether your school district should ban all single-use plastics from cafeteria operations. Include a structured introduction, supported body paragraphs, and an impactful conclusion.

6 Probe 6 (Week 12 • Benchmark): Pass/Fail in Electives Target: Multi-Paragraph

Context: Elective classes like art, music, drama, and physical education encourage creative exploration. Some educators propose grading electives on a Pass/Fail scale rather than traditional letter grades (A–F) so students feel safe experimenting without fearing a drop in their GPA. Others believe letter grades motivate students to put forth maximum effort.

Writing Prompt: Write a multi-paragraph essay explaining whether middle school elective classes should be graded Pass/Fail or with traditional letter grades. Formulate a strong thesis, cite evidence, elaborate deeply, and provide a strong conclusion.

Scoring Reminder: Score each probe immediately using the 100-point rubric on Page 1. Plot the resulting percentage on the Page 2 graph to evaluate trajectory toward the 80% IEP benchmark.

Biweekly Progress Monitoring Kit • Section 4: Standardized Probes 4–6 Page 4 of 5

Special Education Compliance Record Quarterly Documentation

IEP Progress Summary & Intervention Form

Reporting Cycle:

Annual IEP Goal Focus:

"By the end of the IEP year, when given a writing prompt at the 7th-grade level, student will write a multi-paragraph composition that includes a clear introduction, body, and conclusion, with relevant evidence and elaboration to support ideas, achieving at least 80% proficiency as measured by a teacher-created rubric."

Qualitative Skill & Error Analysis

Observed Writing Strengths:

Target Areas for Reteaching:

Accommodations Utilized During Probes

Graphic organizer provided Extended time (1.5x) Speech-to-text / Dictation Word processor with spell check Frequent breaks (5 min) Clarification of prompt directions

Instructional Decision Rules

• Trajectory on target (80%+ maintained): Fade graphic organizer scaffolding gradually toward prompt independence.

• 2 consecutive scores below 80%: Initiate targeted mini-intervention on lowest domain (e.g. 10 min daily elaboration drill).

• Persistent flatline (<65%): Convene IEP team to review accommodations, prompt accessibility, or goal criteria.

IEP Quarterly Progress Determination

Mastered (Goal Met) Satisfactory Progress Needs Revision

Quarterly Summary Notes for IEP Progress Report:

Special Educator Signature:

Date:

Biweekly Progress Monitoring Kit • Section 5: IEP Compliance & Decision Log Page 5 of 5