Sentence Spark Progress Packet
Special Education IEP Progress Tracker Writing Mechanics & Syntax
Compound Sentence Mastery Tracker
IEP Mastery Target
≥ 70% in 3 of 5 Trials
Student Name _____________________
Grade / Case Manager ____ / ______________
IEP Annual Review _____________________
Baseline Accuracy ______% (Date: ______)
Target IEP Goal Objective
Goal: Student will write compound sentences that include a subject and predicate, proper capitalization and punctuation with at least 70% accuracy in 3 out of 5 opportunities.
Five-Opportunity Data Collection Log (5 Sentences / Probe)
Scoring: 2 pts / sentence (1 pt Clauses & Conjunction + 1 pt Cap & Punct) = 10 pts (7/10 = 70%)
| Trial # | Date | Setting / Accommodations | Fix #1 (/2) | Fix #2 (/2) | Write #3 (/2) | Write #4 (/2) | Write #5 (/2) | Total (/10) | Acc. (%) | Target Met? | Init. |
|---|
| Baseline | ___/___ | Direct SDI | __ | __ | __ | __ | __ | / 10 | % | — | ___ |
| Probe 1 | ___/___ | | / 2 | / 2 | / 2 | / 2 | / 2 | / 10 | % | Y / N | |
| Probe 2 | ___/___ | | / 2 | / 2 | / 2 | / 2 | / 2 | / 10 | % | Y / N | |
| Probe 3 | ___/___ | | / 2 | / 2 | / 2 | / 2 | / 2 | / 10 | % | Y / N | |
| Probe 4 | ___/___ | | / 2 | / 2 | / 2 | / 2 | / 2 | / 10 | % | Y / N | |
| Probe 5 | ___/___ | | / 2 | / 2 | / 2 | / 2 | / 2 | / 10 | % | Y / N | |
Visual Progress Graph (Accuracy vs. 70% Target)
70% Target Goal Line Plot percentage for each opportunity
100% (10 pts)
80% (8 pts)
70% TARGET LINE (7 pts) IEP Target
60% (6 pts)
40% (4 pts)
20% (2 pts)
Base
Opp. 1
Opp. 2
Opp. 3
Opp. 4
Opp. 5
IEP Goal Status Determination (3 of 5 Opportunities ≥ 70%) Evaluation Window: 5 Consecutive Trials
Goal Mastered
Student achieved ≥ 70% in at least 3 of 5 opportunities. Recommend advancement to complex sentences.
Progressing / Continue
Student demonstrates steady growth but has not yet met 3/5 threshold. Continue targeted SDI and monitoring.
Needs Modification
< 70% in 4+ opportunities. Review prerequisite skills (clause identification, conjunction functions, punctuation rules).
Case Manager Signature: ____________________________________
Date Verified: ______________
Educator Administration Protocol
5-Sentence Probe Protocol & Scoring Rubric
Packet Reference Guide 5 Sentences: 2 Correct + 3 Write
Probe Structure & Administration
- Part A (Sentences 1 & 2): Student finds and corrects errors in pre-written compound sentences.
- Part B (Sentences 3, 4 & 5): Student writes original compound sentences (combining clauses & generating from prompts).
- Read prompts aloud if permitted by student's IEP accommodations.
- No adult prompting or editing during assessment probe.
Scoring Math: 10 Total Points
2 Points Per Sentence × 5 Sentences = 10 Total Points
• 10 / 10 = 100% (Exceeds Goal)
• 8 / 10 = 80% (Meets Goal)
• 7 / 10 = 70% (Exact IEP Mastery Threshold)
• < 7 / 10 (< 70%) (Trial Unmet)
Standardized Scoring Rubric (2 Points per Sentence)
Applied Identically to Sentences 1–5
| Score | Component | Criteria for Earning the Point | Common Non-Examples (0 pts) |
|---|
| 1 pt | Syntax & Clauses (Subject + Predicate in both parts) | Sentence contains two complete independent clauses, each with an identifiable subject and predicate, linked by a comma and coordinating conjunction (, and | , but |
| Comma splice: "I ran, he walked" | | | |
| Missing comma: "cat slept but dog barked" | | | |
| 1 pt | Mechanics (Capitalization & End Punctuation) | First word of the sentence begins with a capital letter. Proper nouns capitalized; no random mid-sentence capitals. Sentence concludes with proper terminal punctuation (. ! ?). | Lowercase start: "the dog..." |
| Missing period at end | | | |
| Capital after comma: ", But he..." | | | |
Diagnostic Error Analysis Guide
Comma Splice
Student joins two complete sentences with only a comma, leaving out the coordinating conjunction. Prompt: "Where is the glue word?"
Fused Run-On
Student runs both clauses together without comma or conjunction. Prompt: "Read sentence 1 alone, then pause at the boundary."
Compound Predicate Confusion
Student writes one subject with two verbs ("Sam ran and jumped") instead of two clauses with their own subjects.
F.A.N.B.O.Y.S.
For And Nor But Or Yet So
Preceded by a comma ( , )
Progress Monitoring Assessment
Opportunity Probe 1: Compound Sentences
TRIAL 1 OF 5
Student Name: _____________________________
Date: ___________________
Target Goal: ≥ 70% Accuracy (7/10 Points)
Part A: Sentence Doctor — Fix the Mistakes (2 Sentences) 2 pts each (4 pts total)
1 Rewrite correctly: Score: __ / 2 pts
the art class painted pictures, they hung them in the hallway
2 Rewrite correctly: Score: __ / 2 pts
David brought his lunch to school but he forgot his water bottle
Part B: Sentence Writer — Write Compound Sentences (3 Sentences) 2 pts each (6 pts total)
3 Combine using , and: Score: __ / 2 pts
Ideas: "The teacher read a story." + "The children listened quietly."
4 Combine using , but: Score: __ / 2 pts
Ideas: "Emma looked for her pencil." + "She could not find it anywhere."
5 Write your own sentence using , so: Score: __ / 2 pts
Prompt: Write a compound sentence about recess, studying, or playing outside.
Educator Scoring Strip (1 pt Clauses & Conjunction | 1 pt Cap & Punct) Trial 1 Score
Item 1: __ / 2
Item 2: __ / 2
Item 3: __ / 2
Item 4: __ / 2
Item 5: __ / 2
Total: ___ / 10 pts | Accuracy: ____ %
IEP Target Met (≥ 70% / 7 pts): [ ] YES [ ] NO | Evaluator: ________
Progress Monitoring Assessment
Opportunity Probe 2: Compound Sentences
TRIAL 2 OF 5
Student Name: _____________________________
Date: ___________________
Target Goal: ≥ 70% Accuracy (7/10 Points)
Part A: Sentence Doctor — Fix the Mistakes (2 Sentences) 2 pts each (4 pts total)
1 Rewrite correctly: Score: __ / 2 pts
the golden puppy barked at the ball it rolled under the sofa
2 Rewrite correctly: Score: __ / 2 pts
Cats like to sleep in the warm sun but they like to hunt at night
Part B: Sentence Writer — Write Compound Sentences (3 Sentences) 2 pts each (6 pts total)
3 Combine using , so: Score: __ / 2 pts
Ideas: "The bird felt hungry." + "It searched the garden for seeds."
4 Combine using , but: Score: __ / 2 pts
Ideas: "The brown rabbit saw a dog." + "It hopped quickly into the bushes."
5 Write your own sentence using , and: Score: __ / 2 pts
Prompt: Write a compound sentence about a zoo animal or a family pet.
Educator Scoring Strip (1 pt Clauses & Conjunction | 1 pt Cap & Punct) Trial 2 Score
Item 1: __ / 2
Item 2: __ / 2
Item 3: __ / 2
Item 4: __ / 2
Item 5: __ / 2
Total: ___ / 10 pts | Accuracy: ____ %
IEP Target Met (≥ 70% / 7 pts): [ ] YES [ ] NO | Evaluator: ________
Progress Monitoring Assessment
Opportunity Probe 3: Compound Sentences
TRIAL 3 OF 5
Student Name: _____________________________
Date: ___________________
Target Goal: ≥ 70% Accuracy (7/10 Points)
Part A: Sentence Doctor — Fix the Mistakes (2 Sentences) 2 pts each (4 pts total)
1 Rewrite correctly: Score: __ / 2 pts
jordan kicked the soccer ball, it flew right into the goal
2 Rewrite correctly: Score: __ / 2 pts
The band played good music so the crowd cheered loudly
Part B: Sentence Writer — Write Compound Sentences (3 Sentences) 2 pts each (6 pts total)
3 Combine using , and: Score: __ / 2 pts
Ideas: "Carlos passed the basketball." + "His teammate made the layup."
4 Combine using , but: Score: __ / 2 pts
Ideas: "Maya wanted to ride her scooter." + "The sidewalk was very slippery."
5 Write your own sentence using , so: Score: __ / 2 pts
Prompt: Write a compound sentence about practicing a hobby or preparing for a game.
Educator Scoring Strip (1 pt Clauses & Conjunction | 1 pt Cap & Punct) Trial 3 Score
Item 1: __ / 2
Item 2: __ / 2
Item 3: __ / 2
Item 4: __ / 2
Item 5: __ / 2
Total: ___ / 10 pts | Accuracy: ____ %
IEP Target Met (≥ 70% / 7 pts): [ ] YES [ ] NO | Evaluator: ________
Progress Monitoring Assessment
Opportunity Probe 4: Compound Sentences
TRIAL 4 OF 5
Student Name: _____________________________
Date: ___________________
Target Goal: ≥ 70% Accuracy (7/10 Points)
Part A: Sentence Doctor — Fix the Mistakes (2 Sentences) 2 pts each (4 pts total)
1 Rewrite correctly: Score: __ / 2 pts
the cold snow fell all night the roads stayed clear for the cars
2 Rewrite correctly: Score: __ / 2 pts
We packed a picnic for the park But it started to rain hard
Part B: Sentence Writer — Write Compound Sentences (3 Sentences) 2 pts each (6 pts total)
3 Combine using , so: Score: __ / 2 pts
Ideas: "The storm blew the power out." + "We lit candles in the kitchen."
4 Combine using , but: Score: __ / 2 pts
Ideas: "The sun was shining outside." + "The chilly wind made us shiver."
5 Write your own sentence using , or: Score: __ / 2 pts
Prompt: Write a compound sentence giving two weather choices (like sledding or staying inside).
Educator Scoring Strip (1 pt Clauses & Conjunction | 1 pt Cap & Punct) Trial 4 Score
Item 1: __ / 2
Item 2: __ / 2
Item 3: __ / 2
Item 4: __ / 2
Item 5: __ / 2
Total: ___ / 10 pts | Accuracy: ____ %
IEP Target Met (≥ 70% / 7 pts): [ ] YES [ ] NO | Evaluator: ________
Progress Monitoring Assessment
Opportunity Probe 5: Compound Sentences
TRIAL 5 OF 5
Student Name: _____________________________
Date: ___________________
Target Goal: ≥ 70% Accuracy (7/10 Points)
Part A: Sentence Doctor — Fix the Mistakes (2 Sentences) 2 pts each (4 pts total)
1 Rewrite correctly: Score: __ / 2 pts
the rocket blasted off the launch pad, bright smoke filled the air
2 Rewrite correctly: Score: __ / 2 pts
Astronauts float in space so they must tie down their tools
Part B: Sentence Writer — Write Compound Sentences (3 Sentences) 2 pts each (6 pts total)
3 Combine using , and: Score: __ / 2 pts
Ideas: "The telescope pointed at the moon." + "The scientist saw deep craters."
4 Combine using , but: Score: __ / 2 pts
Ideas: "The crew searched for the rover." + "The red dust storm blocked their view."
5 Write your own sentence using , so: Score: __ / 2 pts
Prompt: Write a compound sentence about exploring an unknown island or planet.
Educator Scoring Strip (1 pt Clauses & Conjunction | 1 pt Cap & Punct) Trial 5 Score
Item 1: __ / 2
Item 2: __ / 2
Item 3: __ / 2
Item 4: __ / 2
Item 5: __ / 2
Total: ___ / 10 pts | Accuracy: ____ %
IEP Target Met (≥ 70% / 7 pts): [ ] YES [ ] NO | Evaluator: ________
Educator Resource & Answer Key
Scoring Exemplar Key & SDI Intervention Guide
Probes 1–5 Answer Key 5 Sentences per Opportunity
Complete Answer Key & Acceptable Variations (25 Items)
Probe 1 (School & Routines):
1. Fix: "The art class painted pictures, and they hung them in the hallway." (Accepts: ", so they...")
2. Fix: "David brought his lunch to school, but he forgot his water bottle."
3. Write: "The teacher read a story, and the children listened quietly."
4. Write: "Emma looked for her pencil, but she could not find it anywhere."
5. Sample: "The bell rang for recess, so the students ran out to the playground."
Probe 2 (Animals & Pets):
1. Fix: "The golden puppy barked at the ball, but it rolled under the sofa." (Accepts: ", and it...")
2. Fix: "Cats like to sleep in the warm sun, but they like to hunt at night."
3. Write: "The bird felt hungry, so it searched the garden for seeds."
4. Write: "The brown rabbit saw a dog, but it hopped quickly into the bushes."
5. Sample: "The playful kitten batted at the yarn, and my sister took a picture."
Probe 3 (Sports & Hobbies):
1. Fix: "Jordan kicked the soccer ball, and it flew right into the goal." (Accepts: ", so it...")
2. Fix: "The band played good music, so the crowd cheered loudly."
3. Write: "Carlos passed the basketball, and his teammate made the layup."
4. Write: "Maya wanted to ride her scooter, but the sidewalk was very slippery."
5. Sample: "I practiced my piano song every day, so I felt confident at the recital."
Probe 4 (Weather & Seasons):
1. Fix: "The cold snow fell all night, but the roads stayed clear for the cars." (Accepts: ", and the...")
2. Fix: "We packed a picnic for the park, but it started to rain hard."
3. Write: "The storm blew the power out, so we lit candles in the kitchen."
4. Write: "The sun was shining outside, but the chilly wind made us shiver."
5. Sample: "We can build a snow fort, or we can go ice skating at the pond."
Probe 5 (Space & Adventure):
1. Fix: "The rocket blasted off the launch pad, and bright smoke filled the air."
2. Fix: "Astronauts float in space, so they must tie down their tools."
3. Write: "The telescope pointed at the moon, and the scientist saw deep craters."
4. Write: "The crew searched for the rover, but the red dust storm blocked their view."
5. Sample: "The spaceship ran low on power, so the astronaut shut down the extra computers."
Specially Designed Instruction (SDI) High-Leverage Interventions
1. Color-Coded Syntax Highlighting
Highlight Clause 1 in yellow, the comma and conjunction in green, and Clause 2 in blue. Visually reinforces the two distinct complete thoughts.
2. Two-Hand Independent Test
Cover Clause 2 with one hand: does Clause 1 make sense alone? Cover Clause 1: does Clause 2 have its own subject and verb? Both must stand alone.
3. Physical FANBOYS Conjunction Bridges
Use laminated cards for [, and], [, but], and [, so] to physically bridge two separate sentence strips.
IEP Progress Report Quarterly Comment Template Documentation Support
"[Student] was evaluated across 5 consecutive opportunities using standardized 5-sentence compound sentence probes (2 error-correction and 3 generation items). [Student] achieved mastery in ___ of 5 opportunities with an average accuracy of ___%, thereby [meeting / progressing toward / not meeting] the IEP objective target of 70% in 3 out of 5 trials. In error correction, student scored ___%; in sentence writing, student scored ___%."
