IEP goals are kind of a big deal, and they’re also one of the hardest parts of an IEP to get right. Many parents share similar concerns, like: “My child has an IEP but hasn’t made any progress,” “How can I tell if my child is actually meeting their goals?” or “Why do they keep suggesting the same goals every year?” When we take a closer look at our kids’ IEP goals, we might find that they’re vague, inappropriate, or difficult to measure. On paper, it might seem like your child is “meeting” these goals, but the reality in the classroom tells a different story. And as a parent, when you’re left out of the process, it can be incredibly frustrating to watch this pattern repeat year after year.
Why is it important to have great goals in your IEP? Well, as expert Dr. Natalie Holdren, PhD explains to us:
“The reason IEP goals are so important is because, legally, it’s the space where all the team members are supposed to be sitting down and envisioning what is valuable and important for the student. Having high-quality IEP goals that guide the student’s daily programming and incorporate all the ideas that were in place during that planning meeting is really important. Along with that go things like: Are they measurable? Are they meaningful? Are they reflective of the family’s goals and values? All of those sorts of considerations.”
This is why understanding the difference between well-crafted goals and those that fall short — and knowing how to improve them — can have a big impact on your child’s IEP journey. This week, we’ll explore the question: Are your child’s IEP goals meaningful and measurable, or just missing the mark?
Check out these resources that cover everything you need to know about IEP goals, from standards-based goals to progress reporting to fixing “bad” goals, and more.
- Get the essentials on IEP goals, from how they’re created to how they’re measured, along with some common goal myths debunked. → A Parent’s Guide to IEP Goals
- Learn the basics of workshopping a goal. → Rewriting Goals for an IEP: Let’s Fix Those Goals!
- Explore data, baselines, what to do when a goal isn’t being met, and more. → Progress Reporting for IEPs
- Discover how to create standards-based, strengths-focused, and functional goals that align with the school’s Common Core standards. → How to Develop a Strength-Based IEP & Standards-Based IEP Goals
- Get your burning IEP goal questions answered by experts, such as “How can IEP goals support kids’ self-determination?” → 10 Questions to Ask About IEP Goals with Dr. Natalie Holdren and Dr. Andrew Fedders
Master IEP goals with Undivided’s help →
- Add this goal to your Undivided account for a step-by-step guide on writing new IEP goals that prioritize the skills your child needs in order to progress in school.
- Undivided members can download our printable goal-planning template and worksheet to help create strong IEP goals for your child, from writing a vision statement to identifying the goal and the Common Core State Standard associated with it to identifying your child’s strengths and abilities and the types of supports and accommodations they will need.
- Watch our explainer video How Undivided Can Help with IEP Goals to find out more.
One parent told their Undivided Navigator, “[Undivided] has been such a tremendous help in navigating the initial dive into all of this. You have been invaluable in guiding me and providing feedback and brainstorming with me. Thank you. It was worth every penny.”
Undivided Conversations to watch → How to Write Inclusive IEP Goals
Join us Friday, January 25 at 12:00 pm PT in this conversation with Dr. Caitlin Solone, education advocate, teacher educator, and faculty at UCLA, who offers suggestions for crafting inclusive IEP goals for your child, including how to make sure your child isn’t removed from the general education classroom for “goal work,” how your goals can support more inclusive opportunities for your child in special education, the red flags to watch for before signing your IEP, and more. Catch the convo on our Facebook page!
Join us for expert office hours
If you’re an Undivided member, join us for a live Q&A on Wednesday, February 5, at 12:00 p.m PT with Navigator Gabriela Gangitano, Undivided’s homeschooling specialist. Gabi will be available to answer all of your questions about homeschooling in California, such as charters, PSAs, and independent study, whether you’re exploring your options or you’ve been homeschooling for years. If you’re not an Undivided member yet, get started here to join us for office hours!
Paid training opportunity for IHSS providers
Does your child receive Medi-Cal coverage through LA Care? If you provide any IHSS hours for your child, you can complete an upcoming training course from the Center for Caregiver Advancement for a $500 stipend. The 10-week training course will take place over Zoom, every Thursday from February 20, 2025 to May 1, 2025, 10:00 a.m.–1:30 p.m. (morning session) or 6:00 p.m.–9:30 p.m. (evening session). Upon completion, caregivers will receive a $500 stipend, a certificate of completion, and CPR certification. If you would like to register, please call or text (213) 703-0998, or email ireney@advancecaregivers.org.
Are you new to the world of IEP goals? Learn the basics in this reel on our Instagram page→
What’s your next step if your child isn’t meeting their IEP goals? Check out these tips from Non-Attorney Education Advocate Lisa Carey on our YouTube channel→
This week in our parents-only Facebook group, our community is sharing organizations that are taking donations for families of kids with disabilities affected by the Los Angeles fires. Join the discussion→
We’re also spotlighting companies and organizations that are donating on our LinkedIn page. Tag us to help share resources for families who need them!
