IEP Goal Setting Guide

Review how clear baselines, measurable criteria, and progress reporting can make IEP goals easier to understand and discuss

The SMART Goals Framework

🎯 Specific

Goals should clearly define what the student will do, under what conditions, and to what degree.

Example: "John will read grade-level text aloud with 95% accuracy"

📏 Measurable

Include specific criteria for measuring progress and success.

Example: "4 out of 5 trials" or "80% accuracy over 3 consecutive sessions"

✅ Achievable

Goals should be challenging but attainable based on the student's current level.

Tip: Consider your child's baseline performance and reasonable growth expectations

🎪 Relevant

Goals should address the student's individual needs and support their overall development.

Focus: Skills that will help your child in daily life and future success

⏰ Time-bound

Include a specific timeframe for achieving the goal.

Example: "By the end of the IEP year" or "Within 6 months"

📊 Data-Driven

Base goals on current assessment data and evaluation results.

Use: Baseline data to set realistic and appropriate targets

Types of IEP Goals

Academic Goals

Focus on specific academic skills like reading, writing, math, or other subject areas.

Example: "Given a grade-level math word problem, Sarah will identify the relevant information and solve the problem using appropriate strategies with 80% accuracy in 4 out of 5 trials by the end of the IEP year."

Behavioral Goals

Address social skills, self-regulation, or classroom behavior.

Example: "When frustrated, Michael will use appropriate coping strategies (deep breathing, asking for a break) instead of disruptive behavior in 8 out of 10 opportunities across all school settings."

Functional Life Skills Goals

Focus on skills needed for daily living and independence.

Example: "Emma will independently complete a multi-step morning routine (hang up backpack, put away lunch, get materials ready) with no more than 2 verbal prompts in 4 out of 5 school days."

Communication Goals

Address speech, language, or alternative communication needs.

Example: "Using his communication device, Alex will initiate conversations with peers during structured activities by making relevant comments or asking questions in 3 out of 4 opportunities."

Goal Writing Best Practices

✅ Do This

  • • Use positive language focusing on what the child will do
  • • Include specific conditions and criteria
  • • Base goals on assessment data
  • • Consider the child's interests and strengths
  • • Make goals functional and meaningful
  • • Ensure goals are observable and measurable
  • • Include multiple ways to demonstrate mastery

❌ Avoid This

  • • Vague or unclear language
  • • Goals that are too easy or too difficult
  • • Focusing only on deficits
  • • Using educational jargon parents don't understand
  • • Setting too many goals at once
  • • Goals that can't be measured objectively
  • • Ignoring the child's post-secondary goals

Progress Monitoring

How to Track Goal Progress

Data Collection Methods:

  • • Work samples and portfolios
  • • Observation checklists
  • • Frequency counts
  • • Duration recording
  • • Rubrics and rating scales

Review Schedule:

  • • Weekly data collection
  • • Monthly progress reviews
  • • Quarterly progress reports
  • • Annual IEP reviews
  • • Adjust goals as needed
IEP Goal Setting & Progress Tracking Guide | SustainBL