IEP Goals & Objectives Section : Writing Tips for Parents and Teachers

IEP Goals and Objectives – Define what your child will achieve:

Lets talk about how to write your child’s IEP Goals in a step-by-step fashion. The goals you write should focus on your child’s specific disability(ies).

When writing goals, start with a list of your child’s areas of disability (get this from evaluations and/or classroom data). For problem areas, ask yourself, “What would success look like? What should we see our child DOING?”

Great IEP goals don’t contain words that you can’t measure, such as demonstrate, understand, comprehend, improve, etc. Otherwise, how will you know if a child understands? How will you know if he has improved or if he comprehends?

You measure progress by observing and measuring a specific behavior. Thus, your child’s specific behaviors must be stated in the goal. Also, you have to have some sort of measurement in order to determine if your child is improving.

To write objective, measurable IEP goals:

1) First, State the outcome you desire for your child’s learning. (What will your child DO?)

2) Next, state exactly how your child will show he can do something. (How, when or where will the child be able to do it?)

3) Then state what you will use to measure your child’s progress. (What level of skill will show that your child has learned to do the task?)

4) Lastly, put the above three pieces into an single, Objective and Measurable Goal.

Remember, when you are developing your child’s goals, make a brief checklist to be certain to consider all areas. Next, you might ask, “Which areas besides reading, writing, and/or math require goals?”

Consider these areas for additional Goals:

– Assistive Technology Usage.
– Behavioral / Emotional Modification.
– Daily Living Skills.
– General Curriculum and Instructional Content.
– Occupational Therapy.
– Physical Therapy.
– Speech-Language Therapy.

Consider your child’s needs, abilities, and the outcomes you desire. Be sure the goals are specific, so the teacher knows what your child will learn. Keep in mind, your expectations must also be in line with your child’s academic ability. Don’t sell your child’s abilities short, but don’t expect miracles either!

Be realistic, but don’t lower your expectations. Dream of what can be, think creatively, and expect your child to achieve at a high level. Expect your child to reach the level at which she is capable of learning. Don’t settle for where she is presently performing. Look to the future, not to the past.