Well-written IEP goals and objectives are the most important part of an IEP. Each goal on your child’s IEP is a skill their school district is required to teach them. Your child’s teachers are required to record data on your child’s progress and this data is used to implement direct or consultative services from a specialist. IEP goals can be on any skill area needed for scholastic success where your child has a deficit and is not restricted to only academic skills. For your child to be successful in school they need to know how to: make friends, regulate their emotions, attend social gatherings, and many other skills in addition to being able to read, write, and do math.
Many schools will focus on your child’s academic needs and may inadequately address their social, emotional, or executive functioning (organization and planning) needs. If you have an area of concern for your child at school that is outside of academics but is not being addressed in the IEP, you have every right to request IEP goals and objectives to fill that gap. If the school pushes back against this request, it is best to schedule a full IEP meeting and have a robust conversation about your concerns.
IEP goals and objectives are created based on assessment data, and on observational data that is collected while your child is in school. A common occurrence is for a teacher or service provider to state that your child is struggling with a skill, but there is no goal to address it. Your child’s school district may make excuses related to eligibility or say that many children similarly struggle with this skill. Your child is unique and has an IEP specifically crafted to address their educational and social needs.
IEP goals and objectives give your child the opportunities for success they deserve.
If you have written, documented communication about your concerns to the school’s staff, it is easier to have a goal created to address the skill in need. This documentation can be through emails, follow-ups to conversations, or in the Present Levels of Performance (PLP) section of the IEP. It is entirely possible that your child may have multiple IEP goals and objectives in one area or subject, but each specific skill should have its own specific correlating goal. There is no limit to the amount of IEP goals your child can have.
If you feel that your child’s school is not creating or implementing appropriate IEP goals for success, reach out to Aspire Advocacy. We have advocates experienced with IEP goals and objectives available to help you at your next IEP meeting.
For help at your child’s next IEP meeting, more information about our special education advocacy services, or for a FREE 20-minute consultation to see if we are a good fit for you, call or email today!
As parents, we understand. As advocates, we can help.