IEP Goals and Objectives

Now that we’ve explored the key components, let’s break down the process of writing these goals:

1. Start with the Present Level of Performance

Before writing a goal, it’s important to understand where the child is starting. Review their current performance across different areas—academic, social, behavioral, and communication. The PLOP should be thorough and data-driven, providing an accurate picture of the child’s current abilities.

Example: “Sarah currently reads at a first-grade level, struggles with decoding multi-syllable words, and has difficulty using context clues to understand meaning.”

2. Define the Desired Outcome

Next, think about the skills the child needs to develop to improve their performance in specific areas. Make sure the outcome is specific and achievable. Avoid vague language, and ensure the goal focuses on a concrete skill that can be developed.

Example: “By the end of the IEP year, Sarah will be able to decode multi-syllable words with 80% accuracy using context clues.”

3. Set Measurable Criteria

Add specific, measurable benchmarks to track the child’s progress toward the goal. This is the key to determining whether the child is moving in the right direction.

Example: “Sarah will correctly decode 8 out of 10 multi-syllable words during small group instruction.”

4. Make the Goal Functional

Connect the goal to real-world, functional outcomes that will help the child both in school and in their day-to-day life. Functional goals are practical and aligned with tasks the child will encounter in their academic or social environments.

Example: “Sarah will use context clues to decode unknown words while reading independently, which will improve her comprehension during classroom reading activities.”

5. Include a Time Frame

Specify how long the child will have to achieve the goal. Generally, IEP goals are designed for a year, but shorter time frames may be used for specific objectives within the broader goal.

Example: “Sarah will achieve this goal by the end of the 2023-2024 school year.”

6. Identify Methods of Assessment

Determine how the child’s progress will be evaluated. Whether it’s through standardized testing, teacher reports, or direct observation, the assessment method should align with the goal.

Example: “Progress will be tracked through bi-weekly reading assessments and teacher observation during independent reading time.”

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

1. Vagueness: Avoid goals that are too broad or vague. A goal like “improve behavior” is not specific or measurable. Instead, focus on clear, actionable outcomes such as “raise hand to ask a question in class without prompting 4 out of 5 times.”
2. Unrealistic Expectations: It’s important to challenge the child, but setting goals that are too ambitious can lead to frustration and a lack of progress. Ensure the goal is attainable within the given time frame.
3. Over-reliance on Standardized Testing: While tests can be a useful tool, they shouldn’t be the sole method of measuring progress. Include a variety of assessment methods to get a full picture of the child’s development.

Writing effective IEP goals is a critical part of ensuring that children with diverse needs receive the support they require to succeed. By focusing on specific, measurable, and functional goals, schools and therapists can create a path toward meaningful progress. At Kinetic Pediatric Contract Therapy, we are dedicated to collaborating with educators and families to develop tailored IEP goals that empower children to thrive in their academic environments.

With the right approach to goal-setting, children can achieve significant gains that not only benefit them in the classroom but also in life. We are here to help every step of the way, offering a comprehensive range of services to ensure your child receives the best possible support.