Skip to main content
Free Special Education Tool

IEP Goal Bank

This IEP goal bank has 112 measurable goals across 14 skill areas, including 25 IEP goals for autism, each written in full: condition, observable skill, criterion, measurement method, and timeframe. Search by skill, filter by area, and copy any goal to adapt for your child's next IEP meeting.

112 Measurable Goals 14 Skill Areas
25 Autism-Specific Goals Neurodiversity-Respectful

Last updated by Special Needs Care Network. Sources: IDEA regulations and federal technical assistance centers.

Anatomy of a measurable goal

One reading goal, broken into its five parts

  1. 1. Timeframe

    By the annual review,

  2. 2. Condition

    when given an unfamiliar grade-level passage,

  3. 3. Observable behavior

    [student] will read aloud

  4. 4. Criterion

    at 90 words correct per minute with 95% accuracy across 3 consecutive probes, up from 52

  5. 5. Measurement method

    measured by biweekly CBM oral reading probes.

What makes a good IEP goal?

IDEA requires every IEP to include a statement of your child's present levels of academic achievement and functional performance (PLAAFP) and a statement of measurable annual goals, both academic and functional (34 CFR 300.320(a)(1) and (a)(2)). The goals answer one question: what will your child be able to do a year from now that they cannot do today?

Every goal starts from the present levels. The baseline number inside a goal (52 words correct per minute, 1 of 5 opportunities) comes from the PLAAFP. If the present levels describe your child only in words, ask the team for the numbers before you agree to the goals. Without a baseline, nobody can show progress.

The five parts of a measurable IEP goal

1. Timeframe

By when the goal is met. Most goals run to the annual review.

2. Condition

When, where, or with what support the skill happens.

3. Observable behavior

Something you can see, hear, or count. Not 'understand' or 'improve.'

4. Criterion

How well or how frequently, from a baseline to a target, with a mastery rule.

5. Measurement method

Who collects what data, and on what schedule.

Use this bank as a starting point, not a script

The goals below are models. Replace every number with your child's own data, change the condition to match your child's classroom, and ask the team to adjust the target. A goal copied word for word from any bank, including this one, is not individualized. Use these goals to recognize what a strong goal looks like and to suggest specific wording at the meeting. Bring them as suggestions, and ask the team to swap in the school's own baseline data.

A goal needs services behind it

A well-written goal does nothing on its own. For every goal, the IEP should say what specially designed instruction or related service will teach the skill, how many minutes a week, who provides it, and where. If a goal targets requesting with a device, for example, look for speech therapy minutes and AAC training for staff in the services page. Use our IEP prep checklist to line up each goal with its service before the meeting.

The legal standard is "appropriately ambitious"

In Endrew F. v. Douglas County School District (March 22, 2017), a unanimous Supreme Court held that a school must offer an IEP "reasonably calculated to enable a child to make progress appropriate in light of the child's circumstances." The Court said a child's program must be "appropriately ambitious" and rejected the old "merely more than de minimis" bar.

For goals, that means two checks. Is the goal measurable? And is the target high enough to close real gaps for your child, not just a few points above last year?

Need a speech therapist or ABA provider who writes and tracks goals like these?

Tell us about your child and where you live, and we will match you with speech therapists, ABA providers, and special-needs schools near you. Free for families.

Browse 112 Measurable IEP Goals

Filter by skill area, search for a skill, or show only autism-specific goals. Each goal has a Copy button. Paste it into your notes, replace [student] with your child's name, swap in your child's baseline and target numbers, and bring it to the meeting.

Abbreviations: SLP (speech-language pathologist), OT (occupational therapist), AAC (augmentative and alternative communication), CBM (curriculum-based measurement, short timed probes), ABC data (antecedent, behavior, consequence records).

About the Autism-specific tag

Goals tagged Autism-specific build communication, self-advocacy, flexibility, sensory access, and independence. This bank has no goals whose purpose is forcing eye contact or stopping harmless stimming: those goals measure how a child looks, not what the child can do. Behavior that causes harm, such as hitting, is addressed with a replacement skill the child learns to use instead. If a proposed goal asks your child to stop a harmless behavior, ask the team what skill the goal builds and who it serves.

Filter by skill area

Showing all 112 goals

Expressive language IEP goals

Goals for putting thoughts into words, signs, or typed messages: requesting, describing, retelling, and grammar.

  1. EL-1 Expressive language Requesting Autism-specific

    By the annual review, when a preferred item or activity is out of reach during classroom routines, [student] will request it using a 3-word phrase (spoken, signed, or typed), increasing from 1-word requests in 20% of opportunities at baseline to 3-word requests in 80% of opportunities across 3 consecutive data sessions, measured by teacher and SLP data collection.

  2. EL-2 Expressive language Describing

    By the annual review, when shown a picture or real object, [student] will describe it using at least 3 attributes (such as category, function, color, or size), increasing from 1 attribute at baseline to 3 attributes in 4 of 5 opportunities across 3 consecutive sessions, measured by SLP probe data.

  3. EL-3 Expressive language Sentence length

    By the annual review, during structured language activities, [student] will produce grammatically complete sentences of 5 or more words to describe an event, increasing from 30% to 80% of utterances in a 20-utterance language sample, measured by monthly SLP language samples.

  4. EL-4 Expressive language Retelling

    By the annual review, after listening to a short grade-level story, [student] will retell it in order, including the character, setting, problem, and solution, increasing from 1 of 4 elements at baseline to 4 of 4 elements in 4 of 5 retells, measured by an SLP story-grammar rubric.

  5. EL-5 Expressive language Answering wh- questions

    By the annual review, during shared reading, [student] will answer who, what, and where questions about the text with a relevant response (spoken, signed, or AAC), increasing from 40% to 80% accuracy across 3 consecutive data sessions, measured by teacher data collection.

  6. EL-6 Expressive language Grammar: past tense

    By the annual review, during structured speaking tasks, [student] will use regular past-tense verbs correctly, increasing from 25% to 85% accuracy across 3 consecutive weekly probes, measured by SLP probe data.

  7. EL-7 Expressive language Naming in categories

    By the annual review, when given a category (such as animals, foods, or school tools), [student] will name 5 items in the category within 30 seconds in 4 of 5 opportunities, increasing from 2 items at baseline, measured by biweekly SLP probes.

  8. EL-8 Expressive language Sharing news Autism-specific

    By the annual review, during morning meeting or another sharing time, [student] will share one piece of personal news using a sentence starter, a visual, or AAC as needed in 4 of 5 opportunities across 3 consecutive weeks, increasing from 1 of 5 opportunities at baseline, measured by teacher data collection.

Receptive language IEP goals

Goals for understanding spoken language: following directions, vocabulary, questions, and asking for clarification.

  1. RL-1 Receptive language 2-step directions

    By the annual review, during classroom routines, [student] will follow 2-step directions without the direction being repeated, increasing from 30% to 80% of opportunities across 3 consecutive data sessions, measured by teacher data collection.

  2. RL-2 Receptive language Concept words

    By the annual review, during structured tasks, [student] will follow directions that contain spatial or time concepts (before, after, under, next to) with 80% accuracy across 3 consecutive weekly probes, increasing from 40% at baseline, measured by SLP probe data.

  3. RL-3 Receptive language Vocabulary

    By the annual review, when shown a field of 4 pictures, [student] will point to the named picture for 40 core classroom vocabulary words with 90% accuracy across 3 consecutive sessions, increasing from 15 words at baseline, measured by SLP probe data.

  4. RL-4 Receptive language Yes/no questions Autism-specific

    By the annual review, when asked yes/no questions about preferences and facts, [student] will answer accurately using speech, sign, gesture, or AAC in 4 of 5 opportunities across 3 consecutive data sessions, increasing from 50% accuracy at baseline, measured by SLP and teacher data collection.

  5. RL-5 Receptive language Listening comprehension

    By the annual review, after listening to a grade-level passage read aloud, [student] will answer 4 of 5 literal and inferential questions correctly across 3 consecutive weekly probes, increasing from 2 of 5 at baseline, measured by teacher-administered comprehension checks.

  6. RL-6 Receptive language Figurative language Autism-specific

    By the annual review, when given grade-level sentences that contain idioms or figurative language, [student] will explain the intended meaning in 4 of 5 items across 3 consecutive sessions, increasing from 1 of 5 at baseline, measured by SLP probe data.

  7. RL-7 Receptive language Asking for clarification Autism-specific

    By the annual review, when [student] does not understand a direction or question, [student] will ask for clarification (such as 'Can you say it again?' or an AAC message) in 4 of 5 observed opportunities across 3 consecutive data sessions, increasing from 0 of 5 at baseline, measured by teacher data collection.

AAC IEP goals (augmentative and alternative communication)

Goals for students who use a speech-generating device, communication board, or other AAC system. IDEA requires the IEP team to consider communication needs and assistive technology for every child.

  1. AAC-1 AAC use Requesting with AAC Autism-specific

    By the annual review, during snack, play, and work routines, [student] will use a speech-generating device or communication board to request preferred items or actions, increasing from 2 to 10 independent requests per day across 3 consecutive data days, measured by communication partner tally sheets.

  2. AAC-2 AAC use Core vocabulary

    By the annual review, during structured and natural activities, [student] will use 25 different core words on an AAC system (such as more, stop, go, help, and different) across 2 school settings, increasing from 5 core words at baseline, measured by a weekly AAC vocabulary log.

  3. AAC-3 AAC use Combining symbols

    By the annual review, during classroom activities, [student] will combine 2 or more symbols on an AAC system to comment, request, or protest in 4 of 5 opportunities across 3 consecutive data sessions, increasing from single-symbol messages at baseline, measured by SLP and teacher data collection.

  4. AAC-4 AAC use Navigating the device

    By the annual review, when asked to find a word, [student] will navigate to the correct page of the AAC system and select the target symbol within 10 seconds in 8 of 10 trials across 3 consecutive sessions, increasing from 3 of 10 at baseline, measured by SLP probe data.

  5. AAC-5 AAC use Refusing and protesting Autism-specific

    By the annual review, when offered a non-preferred item or activity, [student] will refuse or protest using an AAC message (such as 'no thanks' or 'stop') instead of pushing materials away in 4 of 5 opportunities across 3 consecutive data sessions, increasing from 1 of 5 at baseline, measured by teacher data collection.

  6. AAC-6 AAC use Commenting

    By the annual review, during shared reading or play, [student] will use the AAC system to make a comment (such as 'funny,' 'uh oh,' or 'I like it') at least 3 times per 15-minute activity across 3 consecutive sessions, increasing from 0 comments at baseline, measured by SLP data collection.

  7. AAC-7 AAC use Repairing breakdowns

    By the annual review, when a communication partner does not understand a spoken message, [student] will repair the breakdown by repeating it, using a gesture, or switching to the AAC system in 4 of 5 opportunities across 3 consecutive data sessions, increasing from 1 of 5 at baseline, measured by SLP data collection.

  8. AAC-8 AAC use Participating in class

    By the annual review, during general education lessons, [student] will use the AAC system to answer a question or add to the discussion at least 2 times per lesson in 4 of 5 observed lessons, increasing from 0 at baseline, measured by a teacher observation checklist.

Social communication and pragmatic language IEP goals

Goals for conversation, greetings, questions, topic changes, and explaining how the student communicates best.

  1. SC-1 Social communication Greetings Autism-specific

    By the annual review, when a familiar adult or peer greets [student], [student] will return the greeting in a way of their choice (spoken word, wave, sign, or AAC) in 4 of 5 opportunities across 3 consecutive data sessions, increasing from 1 of 5 at baseline, measured by teacher data collection.

  2. SC-2 Social communication Conversational turns Autism-specific

    By the annual review, during a structured conversation with a peer on a topic of shared interest, [student] will keep the conversation going for 4 or more turns in 4 of 5 conversations across 3 consecutive weeks, increasing from 1 turn at baseline, measured by SLP data collection.

  3. SC-3 Social communication Asking questions

    By the annual review, during peer conversations, [student] will ask a peer a related question about the peer's topic at least once per conversation in 4 of 5 conversations, increasing from 0 of 5 at baseline, measured by SLP observation data.

  4. SC-4 Social communication Changing topics Autism-specific

    By the annual review, when [student] wants to change the topic, [student] will use a transition phrase (such as 'Can I tell you about something else?') before shifting topics in 4 of 5 opportunities across 3 consecutive sessions, increasing from 1 of 5 at baseline, measured by SLP data collection.

  5. SC-5 Social communication Perspective taking

    By the annual review, when shown video clips or written scenarios of peer interactions, [student] will identify what a character is thinking or feeling and name one clue that supports the answer with 80% accuracy across 3 consecutive sessions, increasing from 30% at baseline, measured by SLP probe data.

  6. SC-6 Social communication Joining peers Autism-specific

    By the annual review, during recess or free choice time, [student] will join a peer activity by asking to join, offering a toy, or watching and then joining in at least 3 times per week across 4 consecutive weeks, increasing from 0 times per week at baseline, measured by a staff observation checklist.

  7. SC-7 Social communication Self-advocacy: communication style Autism-specific

    By the annual review, when meeting a new teacher, peer partner, or substitute, [student] will share 2 facts about how they communicate best (for example, 'I use my talker' or 'I need extra time to answer') using a self-advocacy card, a script, or AAC in 4 of 5 opportunities, increasing from 0 at baseline, measured by case manager data collection.

  8. SC-8 Social communication Ending conversations

    By the annual review, when a conversation partner signals they need to leave (such as saying 'I have to go' or packing up), [student] will close the conversation with a parting phrase in 4 of 5 opportunities across 3 consecutive sessions, increasing from 1 of 5 at baseline, measured by SLP data collection.

Social skills and play IEP goals

Goals for turn-taking, shared play, group work, and connecting with peers around shared interests.

  1. SP-1 Social skills and play Turn-taking in games

    By the annual review, during a structured game with 1 to 3 peers, [student] will wait for and take turns for the full game (at least 10 minutes) with no more than 1 adult reminder in 4 of 5 games across 3 consecutive weeks, increasing from 3 minutes at baseline, measured by teacher data collection.

  2. SP-2 Social skills and play Shared play Autism-specific

    By the annual review, during free play, [student] will take part in a shared activity with a peer (building, pretend play, or a game) for 5 consecutive minutes in 4 of 5 observed sessions, increasing from 1 minute at baseline, measured by staff observation data.

  3. SP-3 Social skills and play Sharing materials

    By the annual review, during group art or building activities, [student] will share or trade materials when a peer asks in 4 of 5 opportunities across 3 consecutive data sessions, increasing from 1 of 5 at baseline, measured by teacher data collection.

  4. SP-4 Social skills and play Winning and losing

    By the annual review, when [student] loses a game, [student] will use a chosen coping statement or strategy (such as 'next time' or a deep breath) and stay with the group for the next activity in 4 of 5 games across 3 consecutive weeks, increasing from 1 of 5 at baseline, measured by teacher data collection.

  5. SP-5 Social skills and play Compromise

    By the annual review, during group projects, [student] will propose a compromise or accept a peer's idea when the group disagrees in 4 of 5 opportunities across 3 consecutive weeks, increasing from 1 of 5 at baseline, measured by a teacher observation checklist.

  6. SP-6 Social skills and play Shared interests Autism-specific

    By the annual review, during lunch or a structured club, [student] will start an interaction with a peer about a shared interest at least 2 times per week across 6 consecutive weeks, increasing from 0 times per week at baseline, measured by a staff observation log.

  7. SP-7 Social skills and play Pretend play

    By the annual review, during play with a peer, [student] will add a new action or idea to a pretend play scenario (such as feeding a doll or driving a toy car to the store) at least 3 times per 10-minute session in 4 of 5 sessions, increasing from 0 at baseline, measured by teacher data collection.

Behavior and self-regulation IEP goals

Goals that teach a replacement skill: requesting a break, using a calming strategy, handling transitions, and self-monitoring.

  1. BEH-1 Behavior and self-regulation Requesting a break Autism-specific

    By the annual review, when [student] shows the early signs of distress listed in the behavior plan, [student] will request a break using a break card, sign, words, or AAC in 4 of 5 opportunities across 3 consecutive weeks, increasing from 1 of 5 at baseline, measured by daily behavior data sheets.

  2. BEH-2 Behavior and self-regulation Returning from a break

    By the annual review, after a scheduled or requested break, [student] will return to the assigned activity within 3 minutes of the timer ending in 80% of breaks across 3 consecutive weeks, increasing from 30% at baseline, measured by a teacher break log.

  3. BEH-3 Behavior and self-regulation Calming strategy

    By the annual review, when frustrated, [student] will use one strategy from a personal regulation menu (deep breathing, a movement break, headphones, or a fidget) and return to work within 5 minutes in 4 of 5 observed opportunities across 3 consecutive weeks, increasing from 1 of 5 at baseline, measured by teacher data collection.

  4. BEH-4 Behavior and self-regulation Identifying emotions

    By the annual review, at 3 scheduled check-ins per day, [student] will identify their own emotional state using a feelings scale or visual chart and name one matching strategy in 90% of check-ins across 3 consecutive weeks, increasing from 40% at baseline, measured by check-in sheets.

  5. BEH-5 Behavior and self-regulation Transitions Autism-specific

    By the annual review, when given a visual schedule and a 2-minute warning, [student] will move to the next activity within 2 minutes in 80% of transitions across 5 consecutive school days, increasing from 35% at baseline, measured by teacher transition data.

  6. BEH-6 Behavior and self-regulation Replacing aggression

    By the annual review, when [student] wants an adult or peer to stop an action, [student] will use a functional communication response (saying or signing 'stop' or 'all done,' or using AAC) instead of hitting, reducing hitting from an average of 6 incidents per week at baseline to 1 or fewer per week across 4 consecutive weeks, measured by daily frequency and ABC data.

  7. BEH-7 Behavior and self-regulation Waiting

    By the annual review, when asked to wait for a preferred item or activity, [student] will wait using a visual timer or waiting strategy for up to 3 minutes in 4 of 5 opportunities across 3 consecutive data sessions, increasing from 30 seconds at baseline, measured by teacher data collection.

  8. BEH-8 Behavior and self-regulation Engagement in work

    By the annual review, during 20-minute independent work periods, [student] will stay engaged with the assigned task (working, asking for help, or taking an approved movement break) for 80% of 1-minute intervals across 3 consecutive observations, increasing from 45% at baseline, measured by momentary time-sampling data.

  9. BEH-9 Behavior and self-regulation Self-monitoring

    By the annual review, using a self-monitoring checklist, [student] will rate their own use of 2 target classroom skills and match the teacher's rating in 80% of rated periods across 3 consecutive weeks, increasing from 40% agreement at baseline, measured by self-monitoring sheets compared with teacher ratings.

Executive functioning IEP goals

Goals for starting tasks, planning, organizing materials, managing time, and handling changes in routine.

  1. EF-1 Executive functioning Starting tasks

    By the annual review, when given an independent assignment, [student] will begin the task within 2 minutes using a first-step checklist in 4 of 5 opportunities across 3 consecutive weeks, increasing from 1 of 5 at baseline, measured by teacher data collection.

  2. EF-2 Executive functioning Using a planner

    By the annual review, at the end of each class, [student] will record assignments and due dates in a paper planner or digital app with 90% accuracy across 4 consecutive weeks, increasing from 40% at baseline, measured by weekly case manager planner checks.

  3. EF-3 Executive functioning Organizing materials

    By the annual review, using a 5-item organization checklist (folders labeled, papers filed, materials present), [student] will keep a binder and backpack organized in 4 of 5 weekly checks across 6 consecutive weeks, increasing from 1 of 5 checks at baseline, measured by a case manager organization checklist.

  4. EF-4 Executive functioning Breaking down projects

    By the annual review, when given a multi-step project, [student] will break it into steps with due dates using a task planning template and complete 80% of steps by their dates across 2 consecutive projects, increasing from 30% at baseline, measured by teacher review of the templates.

  5. EF-5 Executive functioning Time estimation

    By the annual review, before starting a task, [student] will estimate how long it will take and compare the estimate with a timer, coming within 5 minutes of the actual time in 4 of 5 tasks across 3 consecutive weeks, increasing from 1 of 5 at baseline, measured by a self-monitoring log reviewed by the teacher.

  6. EF-6 Executive functioning Turning in work

    By the annual review, [student] will turn in completed homework and classwork by the due date for 90% of assignments in a grading period, increasing from 55% at baseline, measured by the teacher gradebook.

  7. EF-7 Executive functioning Handling changes Autism-specific

    By the annual review, when an expected routine changes (such as a substitute teacher or a schedule change), [student] will review the change on a visual or written schedule and state or select one plan for the change in 4 of 5 opportunities across 3 consecutive months, increasing from 1 of 5 at baseline, measured by teacher data collection.

  8. EF-8 Executive functioning Multi-step directions

    By the annual review, when given multi-step oral directions, [student] will use a memory strategy (writing the steps, repeating them back, or using a checklist) to complete all steps in 4 of 5 opportunities across 3 consecutive data sessions, increasing from 2 of 5 at baseline, measured by teacher data collection.

Reading IEP goals for decoding, fluency, and comprehension

Goals for phonemic awareness, letter sounds, decoding, sight words, oral reading fluency, and comprehension.

  1. RD-1 Reading Phonemic awareness

    By the annual review, when given spoken 3- and 4-sound words, [student] will segment them into individual sounds with 90% accuracy across 3 consecutive weekly probes, increasing from 40% at baseline, measured by phonemic awareness probes.

  2. RD-2 Reading Letter sounds

    By the annual review, when shown all 26 letters in random order, [student] will say the most common sound for 26 of 26 letters across 3 consecutive weekly probes, increasing from 12 of 26 at baseline, measured by letter-sound probes.

  3. RD-3 Reading Decoding CVC words

    By the annual review, when given a list of 20 decodable consonant-vowel-consonant words, [student] will read them correctly with 90% accuracy across 3 consecutive weekly probes, increasing from 35% at baseline, measured by curriculum-based decoding probes.

  4. RD-4 Reading Multisyllabic words

    By the annual review, when given a list of 20 grade-level multisyllabic words, [student] will decode them with 85% accuracy using syllable division strategies across 3 consecutive biweekly probes, increasing from 40% at baseline, measured by decoding probes.

  5. RD-5 Reading High-frequency words

    By the annual review, when shown words from the grade-level high-frequency list, [student] will read 100 words within 3 seconds each across 3 consecutive biweekly checks, increasing from 30 words at baseline, measured by teacher word-list checks.

  6. RD-6 Reading Oral reading fluency

    By the annual review, when given an unfamiliar grade-level passage, [student] will read aloud at 90 words correct per minute with 95% accuracy across 3 consecutive biweekly probes, increasing from 52 words correct per minute at baseline, measured by curriculum-based measurement (CBM) oral reading fluency probes.

  7. RD-7 Reading Main idea

    By the annual review, after reading an instructional-level passage, [student] will state the main idea and 2 supporting details in 4 of 5 passages across 3 consecutive weeks, increasing from 1 of 5 at baseline, measured by a teacher comprehension rubric.

  8. RD-8 Reading Inference with evidence

    By the annual review, after reading a grade-level passage, [student] will answer inferential questions and cite one piece of text evidence with 80% accuracy across 3 consecutive weekly probes, increasing from 30% at baseline, measured by teacher-made comprehension probes.

  9. RD-9 Reading Story elements

    By the annual review, after reading a story, [student] will complete a story map that identifies the characters, setting, problem, key events, and solution with 4 of 5 elements correct across 3 consecutive stories, increasing from 2 of 5 at baseline, measured by teacher-scored story maps.

  10. RD-10 Reading Comprehension with choices Autism-specific

    By the annual review, after listening to or reading a short passage, [student] will answer comprehension questions by pointing to or selecting the answer from a field of 3 choices (pictures, words, or AAC) with 80% accuracy across 3 consecutive sessions, increasing from 40% at baseline, measured by teacher data collection.

Writing IEP goals

Goals for sentences, paragraphs, spelling, writing fluency, planning, editing, and assistive technology for writing.

  1. WR-1 Writing Complete sentences

    By the annual review, when given a picture prompt, [student] will write a complete sentence with a capital letter, a subject, a verb, and end punctuation in 4 of 5 prompts across 3 consecutive weeks, increasing from 1 of 5 at baseline, measured by a teacher writing rubric.

  2. WR-2 Writing Paragraph writing

    By the annual review, when given a grade-level prompt and a graphic organizer, [student] will write a paragraph with a topic sentence, 3 supporting details, and a closing sentence, scoring 3 of 4 or higher on the district rubric in 3 consecutive samples, increasing from 1 of 4 at baseline, measured by the district writing rubric.

  3. WR-3 Writing Spelling patterns

    By the annual review, when dictated 20 words that contain taught spelling patterns, [student] will spell them correctly with 80% accuracy across 3 consecutive weekly probes, increasing from 35% at baseline, measured by spelling inventory probes.

  4. WR-4 Writing Writing fluency

    By the annual review, when given a story starter and 3 minutes to write, [student] will write 35 correct word sequences across 3 consecutive biweekly probes, increasing from 12 at baseline, measured by CBM written expression probes.

  5. WR-5 Writing Editing

    By the annual review, when given their own draft and an editing checklist, [student] will find and correct capitalization, punctuation, and spelling errors with 80% accuracy across 3 consecutive writing samples, increasing from 25% at baseline, measured by teacher review of edited drafts.

  6. WR-6 Writing Planning before writing

    By the annual review, before writing, [student] will complete a planning organizer with a main idea and at least 3 details in 4 of 5 writing assignments, increasing from 1 of 5 at baseline, measured by teacher review of planning sheets.

  7. WR-7 Writing Speech-to-text

    By the annual review, when given a writing task, [student] will use speech-to-text or word prediction software to draft and then edit at least 5 sentences in 4 of 5 assignments across 3 consecutive weeks, increasing from 1 sentence at baseline, measured by saved drafts and teacher data collection.

  8. WR-8 Writing Opinion writing

    By the annual review, when given an opinion prompt, [student] will write a piece that states a claim, gives 2 reasons with evidence, and ends with a conclusion, scoring 3 of 4 on the district rubric in 2 consecutive samples, increasing from 1 of 4 at baseline, measured by the district writing rubric.

Math IEP goals

Goals for counting, math facts, computation, word problems, place value, fractions, money, and time.

  1. MA-1 Math Counting

    By the annual review, when given sets of up to 20 objects, [student] will count them with one-to-one correspondence and state the total with 90% accuracy across 3 consecutive sessions, increasing from sets of up to 5 at baseline, measured by teacher data collection.

  2. MA-2 Math Addition and subtraction facts

    By the annual review, when given a 2-minute mixed addition and subtraction probe with facts within 20, [student] will write 40 correct digits across 3 consecutive weekly probes, increasing from 15 at baseline, measured by CBM math computation probes.

  3. MA-3 Math Multiplication facts

    By the annual review, when given a 2-minute multiplication probe with facts from 0 to 10, [student] will answer 30 facts correctly across 3 consecutive weekly probes, increasing from 8 at baseline, measured by math fact fluency probes.

  4. MA-4 Math Multi-digit computation

    By the annual review, when given 10 multi-digit addition and subtraction problems with regrouping, [student] will solve them with 80% accuracy across 3 consecutive weekly probes, increasing from 30% at baseline, measured by teacher-made computation probes.

  5. MA-5 Math Word problems

    By the annual review, when given grade-level one- and two-step word problems (read aloud as needed), [student] will identify the operation, solve, and label the answer with 80% accuracy across 3 consecutive weekly probes, increasing from 25% at baseline, measured by teacher-made problem-solving probes.

  6. MA-6 Math Place value

    By the annual review, when given numbers up to 1,000, [student] will identify the value of each digit with 90% accuracy across 3 consecutive probes, increasing from 50% at baseline, measured by teacher data collection.

  7. MA-7 Math Fractions

    By the annual review, when given fraction models and number lines, [student] will compare and order fractions with like and unlike denominators with 80% accuracy across 3 consecutive weekly probes, increasing from 20% at baseline, measured by curriculum-based assessments.

  8. MA-8 Math Money

    By the annual review, during classroom store or community practice, [student] will choose the correct bills to pay for an item up to $10.00 using the next-dollar strategy in 4 of 5 trials across 3 consecutive sessions, increasing from 1 of 5 at baseline, measured by teacher data collection.

  9. MA-9 Math Telling time

    By the annual review, when shown an analog clock, [student] will tell time to the nearest 5 minutes with 90% accuracy across 3 consecutive sessions, increasing from telling time to the hour only at baseline, measured by teacher probes.

Adaptive and daily living IEP goals

Goals for routines, toileting, handwashing, lunch, dressing, personal information, and community safety.

  1. AD-1 Adaptive and daily living Arrival routine Autism-specific

    By the annual review, on arrival at school, [student] will complete a 5-step arrival routine (unpack, hang backpack, turn in folder, choose lunch, begin morning work) using a visual checklist with no more than 1 adult prompt on 4 of 5 days across 3 consecutive weeks, increasing from 2 of 5 steps done independently at baseline, measured by task analysis data.

  2. AD-2 Adaptive and daily living Toileting

    By the annual review, during scheduled and self-started bathroom breaks, [student] will complete all steps of the toileting routine, including handwashing, independently in 90% of opportunities across 3 consecutive weeks, increasing from 50% of steps done independently at baseline, measured by task analysis data.

  3. AD-3 Adaptive and daily living Handwashing

    By the annual review, before lunch and after bathroom use, [student] will wash hands following a 7-step visual sequence independently in 4 of 5 opportunities across 3 consecutive weeks, increasing from 3 of 7 steps at baseline, measured by task analysis data.

  4. AD-4 Adaptive and daily living Lunch independence

    By the annual review, in the cafeteria, [student] will open food containers, eat, and clean up the eating area independently in 4 of 5 lunch periods across 3 consecutive weeks, increasing from 1 of 5 at baseline, measured by staff task analysis data.

  5. AD-5 Adaptive and daily living Dressing

    By the annual review, before recess and dismissal, [student] will put on and zip a jacket independently within 2 minutes in 4 of 5 opportunities across 3 consecutive weeks, increasing from full adult help at baseline, measured by teacher data collection.

  6. AD-6 Adaptive and daily living Personal information

    By the annual review, when asked by a trusted adult, [student] will state, write, or show (using an ID card or AAC) their full name, a parent's phone number, and their home address in 4 of 5 opportunities across 3 consecutive weeks, increasing from name only at baseline, measured by teacher data collection.

  7. AD-7 Adaptive and daily living Street safety

    By the annual review, during community-based instruction, [student] will cross streets at crosswalks by stopping, looking both ways, and waiting for the walk signal in 4 of 5 crossings across 3 consecutive outings, increasing from 1 of 5 at baseline, measured by a staff community safety checklist.

  8. AD-8 Adaptive and daily living Asking for help Autism-specific

    By the annual review, when [student] cannot finish a daily living task (such as opening a container or finding a lost item), [student] will ask for help using words, a help card, or AAC in 4 of 5 opportunities across 3 consecutive weeks, increasing from 1 of 5 at baseline, measured by staff data collection.

Fine motor and handwriting IEP goals

Goals for pencil grasp, letter formation, legibility, cutting, keyboarding, fasteners, and copying.

  1. FM-1 Fine motor and handwriting Pencil grasp

    By the annual review, during writing tasks, [student] will use a functional pencil grasp (with or without a grip aid) for a full 10-minute task in 4 of 5 observations across 3 consecutive weeks, increasing from 2 minutes at baseline, measured by OT observation data.

  2. FM-2 Fine motor and handwriting Letter formation

    By the annual review, when copying from a near-point model, [student] will form lowercase letters correctly (start point, direction, and size) with 80% accuracy across 3 consecutive weekly samples, increasing from 40% at baseline, measured by an OT handwriting rubric.

  3. FM-3 Fine motor and handwriting Legibility and spacing

    By the annual review, when writing 3 sentences, [student] will use correct spacing between words and keep letters on the line so that an unfamiliar reader can read 80% of words across 3 consecutive writing samples, increasing from 45% at baseline, measured by an OT legibility checklist.

  4. FM-4 Fine motor and handwriting Cutting

    By the annual review, during classroom art tasks, [student] will cut along a curved line within 1/4 inch of the line using adapted or standard scissors in 4 of 5 trials across 3 consecutive sessions, increasing from straight lines only at baseline, measured by OT data collection.

  5. FM-5 Fine motor and handwriting Keyboarding

    By the annual review, during computer tasks, [student] will type 20 words per minute with 90% accuracy across 3 consecutive probes, increasing from 8 words per minute at baseline, measured by keyboarding program reports.

  6. FM-6 Fine motor and handwriting Fasteners

    By the annual review, during dressing and classroom routines, [student] will open and close 3 fastener types (zippers, buttons, and snaps) independently in 4 of 5 trials across 3 consecutive weeks, increasing from 1 fastener type at baseline, measured by OT data collection.

  7. FM-7 Fine motor and handwriting Copying from the board

    By the annual review, when copying 2 sentences from the board, [student] will copy them accurately within 3 minutes in 4 of 5 opportunities across 3 consecutive weeks, increasing from 1 of 5 at baseline, measured by teacher and OT data collection.

Sensory processing and coping IEP goals

Goals for recognizing sensory needs, requesting supports, using a sensory plan, and coping with stress.

  1. SE-1 Sensory and coping Requesting sensory supports Autism-specific

    By the annual review, when the environment is too loud or bright for [student], [student] will request or independently use a sensory support (such as noise-reducing headphones, sunglasses, or a quiet space) in 4 of 5 observed opportunities across 3 consecutive weeks, increasing from 1 of 5 at baseline, measured by teacher data collection.

  2. SE-2 Sensory and coping Knowing sensory needs Autism-specific

    By the annual review, during weekly check-ins, [student] will name 3 sensory situations that are hard for them and 1 support that helps with each, using words, writing, pictures, or AAC, in 4 of 5 check-ins across 3 consecutive months, increasing from 0 situations named at baseline, measured by OT and counselor data collection.

  3. SE-3 Sensory and coping Sensory break routine

    By the annual review, at the times set in the sensory plan, [student] will choose and complete a movement or sensory activity from a visual menu and return to class within 5 minutes in 80% of scheduled breaks across 3 consecutive weeks, increasing from 30% at baseline, measured by a sensory break log.

  4. SE-4 Sensory and coping Fire drills and loud events Autism-specific

    By the annual review, during fire drills and other planned loud events, [student] will follow a practiced plan (put on headphones, follow the line or a support person, and go to the meeting spot) in 4 of 5 drills or practice runs, increasing from 1 of 5 at baseline, measured by a staff drill checklist.

  5. SE-5 Sensory and coping Stress scale

    By the annual review, when [student] rates their stress at 3 or higher on a 5-point scale, [student] will choose a coping strategy from their personal list and rate their stress again after using it in 4 of 5 opportunities across 3 consecutive weeks, increasing from 1 of 5 at baseline, measured by self-rating sheets reviewed by the counselor.

  6. SE-6 Sensory and coping Body signals Autism-specific

    By the annual review, during structured check-ins, [student] will identify a body signal (such as hunger, thirst, needing the bathroom, or feeling hot) and take a matching action in 4 of 5 opportunities across 3 consecutive weeks, increasing from 1 of 5 at baseline, measured by teacher data collection.

  7. SE-7 Sensory and coping Test anxiety

    By the annual review, before tests or other stressful tasks, [student] will use a practiced coping routine (a breathing exercise, a positive self-statement, or a checklist review) and begin the task within 3 minutes in 4 of 5 opportunities across 3 consecutive weeks, increasing from 1 of 5 at baseline, measured by teacher data collection.

Transition IEP goals (age 16 and up)

Measurable postsecondary goals with the annual goals that build toward them, plus self-advocacy, work, travel, and money skills.

  1. TR-1 Transition (age 16+) Postsecondary education

    Postsecondary goal: After high school, [student] will enroll in a community college certificate program in automotive technology. Annual goal: By the annual review, [student] will research 3 programs and complete the application steps for 1, including a disability services intake request, with no more than 2 adult prompts, measured by a transition checklist reviewed by the case manager.

  2. TR-2 Transition (age 16+) Employment

    Postsecondary goal: After high school, [student] will work part-time in a retail or warehouse job with support from vocational rehabilitation. Annual goal: By the annual review, during a school-based or community work experience, [student] will complete a 6-step job task sequence with 90% accuracy and no more than 1 prompt across 3 consecutive work sessions, increasing from 60% at baseline, measured by job coach task analysis data.

  3. TR-3 Transition (age 16+) Independent living: meals

    Postsecondary goal: After high school, [student] will prepare simple meals at home independently. Annual goal: By the annual review, [student] will follow a picture or written recipe to prepare a 3-step meal (such as a sandwich, salad, or microwave meal), completing 90% of steps independently in 4 of 5 trials, increasing from 40% at baseline, measured by task analysis data.

  4. TR-4 Transition (age 16+) Leading the IEP meeting Autism-specific

    By the annual review, [student] will lead part of their own IEP meeting by presenting their strengths, their needs, and 2 accommodations they want, using slides, a script, or AAC, and complete 4 of 5 items on a student-led IEP checklist, increasing from 0 items at baseline, measured by the case manager.

  5. TR-5 Transition (age 16+) Requesting accommodations

    By the annual review, [student] will ask the teacher for an IEP accommodation (such as extended time or a copy of notes) at least once per grading period in 4 of 5 classes, increasing from 0 requests at baseline, measured by teacher verification forms.

  6. TR-6 Transition (age 16+) Job applications and interviews

    By the annual review, [student] will complete a job application and 2 mock interviews, giving relevant answers to at least 4 of 5 common interview questions in each interview, increasing from 1 of 5 at baseline, measured by a transition coordinator rubric.

  7. TR-7 Transition (age 16+) Travel training

    By the annual review, [student] will plan and take a round trip on public transit between school and a community location using a phone app, completing 90% of travel-training steps independently across 3 consecutive trips, increasing from 40% at baseline, measured by travel-training task analysis data.

  8. TR-8 Transition (age 16+) Budgeting

    By the annual review, [student] will track spending of a monthly allowance or paycheck in a budgeting app or written register with 90% accuracy across 3 consecutive months, increasing from no budget tracking at baseline, measured by teacher review of the budget log.

How to track progress on IEP goals

The IEP must state how progress toward each annual goal will be measured and when you will receive progress reports, such as quarterly reports issued with report cards (34 CFR 300.320(a)(3)). The team must review the IEP at least once a year and revise it to address any lack of expected progress (34 CFR 300.324(b)(1)). Use these five steps to hold the plan to its numbers.

  1. 1. Get the baseline in writing.

    Every goal needs a starting number from the present levels. If a goal says "increase reading fluency" with no starting point, ask the team to add one.

  2. 2. Ask who collects data, how, and on what schedule.

    The PROGRESS Center, a federally funded technical assistance center, recommends measuring frequently and on a set schedule (for example, every two weeks or several times a week) rather than every nine weeks, by a trained person, in a named setting, using the same criteria as the goal.

  3. 3. Ask for numbers, not labels.

    A progress report that says "progressing" or "emerging" without data does not show progress. Request the data sheets or a graph with each report.

  4. 4. Graph it yourself.

    Plot the baseline and the year-end target, draw a straight line between them, and add each data point as it comes in. If four points in a row fall below the line, ask the team what will change.

  5. 5. Request a meeting when progress stalls.

    You do not have to wait for the annual review. Ask whether the instruction, the service minutes, the setting, or the goal itself needs to change.

When the school's proposed goals are vague

Ask for the draft goals before the meeting so you have time to read them. Watch for these warning signs:

  • No baseline from the present levels.
  • Words like improve, increase, appropriate, or demonstrate understanding with no number attached.
  • "80% accuracy" with no count of opportunities or sessions behind it.
  • "Measured by teacher observation" with no data sheet, probe, or schedule.
  • The goal describes an activity or an adult action, such as "will receive speech therapy."
  • The same goal appears from last year's IEP with no change in the target.

Three vague goals, rewritten

Rewrite 1

Vague

[student] will improve reading comprehension.

Measurable

By the annual review, after reading an instructional-level passage, [student] will state the main idea and 2 supporting details in 4 of 5 passages across 3 consecutive weeks, increasing from 1 of 5 at baseline, measured by a teacher comprehension rubric.

What changed: 'Improve' has no number. The rewrite adds a condition, an observable skill, the baseline, a target, and the data source.

Rewrite 2

Vague

[student] will demonstrate appropriate classroom behavior 80% of the time.

Measurable

By the annual review, when [student] shows the early signs of distress listed in the behavior plan, [student] will request a break using a break card, sign, words, or AAC in 4 of 5 opportunities across 3 consecutive weeks, increasing from 1 of 5 at baseline, measured by daily behavior data sheets.

What changed: 'Appropriate' means something different to every adult, and '80% of the time' has no count behind it. The rewrite names the replacement skill the student is learning and how each opportunity is counted.

Rewrite 3

Vague

[student] will work on social skills with peers.

Measurable

By the annual review, during a structured conversation with a peer on a topic of shared interest, [student] will keep the conversation going for 4 or more turns in 4 of 5 conversations across 3 consecutive weeks, increasing from 1 turn at baseline, measured by SLP data collection.

What changed: 'Work on' describes an activity, not an outcome. The rewrite states what your child will do by the end of the year and how the team will know.

What to say at the meeting

"Can we add the baseline from the present levels, the number of opportunities behind the percentage, and who will collect the data and on what schedule?" IDEA requires the team to consider the parents' concerns for enhancing their child's education (34 CFR 300.324(a)(1)(ii)), so put your suggested wording in writing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about this guide

What is an IEP goal bank?

An IEP goal bank is a collection of example IEP goals sorted by skill area. Parents and teachers use it to see what a measurable goal looks like and to get a starting point for a child's own goals. A useful bank gives complete goals with a condition, an observable skill, a criterion, a measurement method, and a timeframe. Every goal still has to be rewritten from your child's present levels, because IDEA requires goals built for the individual child.

What are good IEP goals for autism?

Good IEP goals for autistic students build skills the student uses every day: functional communication (including AAC), self-advocacy, requesting breaks and sensory supports, handling changes in routine, conversation around shared interests, and academic and daily living skills. Each goal starts from the student's present levels and states how progress is measured. Skip goals whose purpose is forcing eye contact or stopping harmless stimming. They measure how a child looks, not what the child can do. Filter this bank by the Autism-specific tag to see 25 examples.

How many goals should an IEP have?

IDEA sets no minimum or maximum. The law requires measurable annual goals, academic and functional, that address the needs resulting from your child's disability (34 CFR 300.320(a)(2)). Start from the present levels, and connect every need listed there to a goal, a service, or an accommodation. A few strong goals with real data beat a long list nobody measures, so ask the team to show you where each need is addressed.

What makes an IEP goal measurable?

A measurable goal names a condition (when, where, or with what support), an observable behavior (something you can see or count), a criterion (how well or how frequently, from a baseline to a target), a measurement method (who collects what data), and a timeframe. The Texas Education Agency adds a practical test: two different people measuring the goal reach the same conclusion. Words like improve, appropriate, or demonstrate understanding without numbers fail that test.

Can parents suggest their own IEP goals?

Yes. Parents are members of the IEP team under IDEA (34 CFR 300.321), and the team must consider the parents' concerns for enhancing their child's education (34 CFR 300.324(a)(1)(ii)). Send your written goal suggestions before the meeting and ask that the team review them alongside the draft. Use your child's data for the baseline so everyone works from the same numbers.

What are benchmarks and short-term objectives in an IEP?

Benchmarks and short-term objectives are smaller steps toward an annual goal, such as a target for each grading period. IDEA requires them for students who take alternate assessments aligned to alternate academic achievement standards (34 CFR 300.320(a)(2)(ii)). For other students, the IEP team decides whether to include them. Any parent can ask for them, because they make progress easier to check between annual reviews.

When do transition goals start in an IEP?

Transition planning must begin no later than the first IEP in effect when your child turns 16, or younger if the IEP team decides, and it is updated every year (34 CFR 300.320(b)). The IEP must include measurable postsecondary goals based on age-appropriate transition assessments in training, education, employment, and, where appropriate, independent living, plus the transition services and courses of study needed to reach them. Some states require transition planning before 16, so check your state's rules.

What if my child is not making progress on IEP goals?

Ask for the progress data and request an IEP meeting. You do not have to wait for the annual review. IDEA requires the team to review the IEP at least once a year and to revise it to address any lack of expected progress toward the annual goals (34 CFR 300.324(b)(1)). Ask whether the instruction, the service minutes, the setting, or the goal itself will change. Under Endrew F. (2017), the IEP must be reasonably calculated to enable progress appropriate in light of your child's circumstances.

Need help finding the right program?

Tell us what your family needs and we’ll help you find schools and therapy programs near you.