What are IEP goals?

An IEP must include clear and measurable annual goals (academic and/or functional) that are designed to enable the student to be involved in and make progress in the general education curriculum. The purpose is to set clear and measurable goals for the student to work on in the upcoming year in each domain with a demonstrated need. A student has a demonstrated need in an area if the student is not meeting the grade-level expectations or standards. For example, if Jose has needs in the areas of writing and reading but is meeting grade-level expectations/standards in math, Jose should have IEP goals in reading and writing only. IEP goals should be aligned with the general education curriculum and should be written from a strength-based approach.

For more details, see our article Key Parts of an IEP and IEP Goal Writing Guide.