What Goals Are, How They Are Written, and Why They Are Important

Definition: Goals are a very important part of your child's individual education program. They are statements describing the skill levels you plan for your child to achieve.

Goals for the IEP are typically broad statements that state the skill your child will learn and the degree of skill or improvement he will reach. In writing a goal, it is important for the IEP team to consider your child's current skill level and set attainable goals for improvement. Goals on your child's IEP should:

• Include clear, observable skills;
• Be measurable;
• Be designed to provide a healthy level of challenge;
• Not be so high that your child becomes frustrated and discouraged; and
• Be aligned to the regular classroom curriculum to the greatest extent appropriate for your child.

A goal for a child with a learning disability in math might say: The student will perform grade level addition problems with 75% accuracy.

Why are Goals Important?

Goals set the vision for your child's individual education program, typically for the coming school year. Goals specify skills and performance levels that are important for your child to learn to progress to the next level.

Reporting Progress Toward Goals

Your child's teachers will frequently measure her progress toward IEP goals. Schools report your child's progress toward IEP goals to you at least as frequently as regular grades are reported.

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