Each student's IEP will contain measurable annual goals and short-term objectives or benchmarks. An IEP states precisely what kinds of special education services each child will receive. (Reg. 300.346)

The goals and objectives are the heart of your child's IEP, as they represent the content or substance of the educational program. Educational goals state what the student is reasonably expected to accomplish with the special education support for the period of time covered by the IEP (usually one year). Goals are written to reflect needs identified through the evaluation process and should enable the student to progress in the general education curriculum. Goals may also address other educational needs that result from the student's disability. The goals are written to describe the outcomes that we, as a team, want for your child as a result of the educational program in the following areas:

• Academic skills
• Self-help skills
• Motor skills
• Social/emotional skills
• Vocational skills
• Communication skills

Each goal should include the expected behavior (what the student will do), the performance criteria (how well it will be done) and the evaluation procedure (measured by what).

Objectives are the tasks or steps your child will need to complete in order to master the goals. Each must include a statement of how far the student is expected to progress toward the annual goal and by when.

REMEMBER:
Not all the skills that may emerge as a training need for your child can be targeted at once.  We need you to assist the staff in prioritizing what will be taught.