The Heart of the IEP
An Individualized Education Plan (IEP) is critical in providing tailored education and support for students with disabilities. Developing sound and measurable IEP goals is essential to ensure that students receive the appropriate services and make progress towards their educational objectives. Here, we provide some information on how to create IEP goals that are both meaningful and measurable, allowing your child to make progress.
Present Levels of Performance
The first step in developing effective IEP goals is to have very clear data regarding a student’s present level of both academic and functional performance. This involves gathering information from various sources, including teachers, related services practitioners, parents, the student, recent standardized test scores, and the most recent case study evaluation. Assessments may include academic assessments, behavior observations, and evaluations of speech and language skills, among others. Understanding the student's strengths and challenges is crucial for creating goals that are tailored to their unique circumstances. Without solid data, it is difficult to develop appropriate, meaningful, and measurable goals.
Goal Development
To ensure that IEP goals are sound and measurable, it's essential to follow the SMART criteria:
Specific: Goals should be clear and specific, outlining precisely what the student is expected to achieve. Avoid vague language and provide details about the skill or behavior being addressed.
Measurable: Goals should be quantifiable, allowing for progress to be easily tracked and measured. Use concrete criteria to determine when a goal has been met or when adjustments are needed.
Achievable: Goals should be realistic and attainable based on the student's current abilities and available resources. Appropriately ambitious is the end target when developing goals.
Relevant: Goals should be relevant to the student's individual needs and aligned with their educational plan. Ensure that each goal contributes to the overall educational objectives.
Time-Bound: Set a specific timeframe for achieving each goal. This helps create a sense of urgency and allows for regular progress monitoring.
Progress Monitoring
Progress monitoring is a key component to IEP goals. Based on the timeline within the IEP, you should receive progress updates regarding your child’s IEP goals. It is important to review these and ask questions if you need clarification. Updates should include data and context about how your child is progressing. If your child has not shown progress, the update should include an explanation of why.
While, of course, the student is always the star of the show, the goals really are at the heart of the IEP when developing a plan that will lead to your child’s progress. If you need help navigating your child’s services or would like to set up a consultation, feel free to reach out at www.northshoresped.com.
Best,
Marni