The Objectives Writing Mentor is a tool created to guide you through the process of creating Behavioral Objectives derived from the California Academic Content Standards.

Generally, this process follows a seven step procedure.
The steps are as follows:

1. Identify the Standard.
2. Identify the Element of the Standard.
3. Identify skills and knowledge implied in the Element.
4. Write the Behavior component of the objective.
5. Determine the Criteria component of the objective.
6. State the Conditions under which the behavior will be performed.
7. Put it all together.

In addition, The Mentor models the thought process a proficient writer employs when creating well-written behavioral objectives. By employing a strategy known as a “Think Aloud Protocol,” the Mentor attempts to make the cognitive process underlying this task visible or explicit.

When using The Mentor, you may simply proceed through the seven-step process without accessing additional supports. To do this, select the "Next Step" icon that appears at the far right side of the screen.

For additional assistance, you may view examples of each completed step by clicking on the "Example" icon .

Finally, you may access the “Think Aloud Protocol” by clicking on the "Explanation" icon . The Protocol is accessible in both print and audio format and provides you with a representation of the critical questions and decisions that a proficient writer encounters when writing objectives.

Examples of the process are provided for the four major content areas:

1. Mathematics
2. Reading/Language Arts
3. History/Social Science
4. Science

The task of writing objectives based upon Academic Content Standards is slightly different for each content area. In Reading/Language Arts, for example, there's actually very little you need to do to write a good Behavioral Objective based upon the standards. On the other hand, Mathematics and History/Social Studies will take more thinking. Be certain to follow the steps outlined in the Mentor and complete the process for all four subject areas. In this way, you'll build a solid background for writing Behavioral Objectives in all areas of the curriculum.