Digging deeper into IEP goals is hard! So often you come to the table prepared with your parent input statement, your services and minutes, the giant list of accommodations… and then you get to goals and it seems ok, so you just move on! I get it! I’ve been there.
If you missed it, we went live last night over on Facebook to give you the specifics on how to write an effective IEP goal. Want to watch the video? Keep scrolling, I’ve attached it at the bottom.
Have you ever heard of a smart goal? This is not just an education thing! But in order to really make sure we are writing effective IEP goals, we need to make sure they are SMART!
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Specific
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Measurable
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Attainable
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Relevant
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Timely
Quick, go grab your child’s IEP. Does it meet that criteria? Now lets go a little bit deeper… Does that goal set your child up for Further Education, Independent Living and Employment? WHOA. You’re probably sitting there like What? My kiddo is 6 no way am I looking for a goal that will get them employed! Let’s just make it through first grade!!
IDEA law is specific. 300.1 An IEP should ensure that all children with disabilities have available to them a free appropriate public education (FAPE) that emphasizes special education and related services designed to meet their unique needs and prepare them for further education, employment, and independent living. You can read more about it HERE. What this means is that these seemingly tiny goals, need to build off each other like steps so that ONE DAY your child is prepared for further education, employment, and independent living. This doesn’t mean all children will be living on their own, holding down CEO jobs. These goals should be attainable and relevant remember? That means that independent living or employment should be whatever is relevant or attainable for your child’s unique abilities.
Now let’s get to some examples!
Speech goal here. Repetitive phrases are found in books like Henny Penny, Five Little Monkeys or Goodnight Moon. We know specifically what Mason needs to do, how we will measure it, in what time frame etc. We would know if this was attainable and relevant based on the present levels discussed at the start of the meeting. If the present levels aren’t accurate, we cannot write effective IEP goals using the SMART method.
Back to my favorite topic… BEHAVIOR! Anyone else have a kiddo who rushes through work just to get it done and EXPLODES when told to correct his work? Yep. There are a lot of kids like this! We know this goal is specific, measurable and timely just by reading this goal. And we know this is an attainable, relevant goals based on the present levels. If you aren’t sure as the team!
Need extra support? Head over HERE to set up your phone call. We can discuss your child’s IEP to ensure it is written in a positive, productive and effective way for your child’s unique needs.
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