IEP Goal Bank
A well-written IEP goal is essential to the IEP and special education. How can you monitor progress if you don’t know what you are aiming at?
I often am asked, “Can you put together an IEP goal bank?” The number of possible IEP goals is infinite. The list could go on forever. But this list of IEP goals and objectives is a useful starting point. If you scroll to the bottom, you will find a PDF of printable IEP goals.
IEP Goals Examples
Before you head on down to the list of IEP goals and objectives, please take a look at this 3-minute video on measurable IEP goals.
Smart IEP Goals
What you will find here are many lists of IEP goals. For the most part, there’s no need to reinvent the wheel. However, IEP goals should be specific to the child’s needs. And, they need to be SMART IEP Goals. Here is a graphic showing what that means.
So, while browsing lists of IEP goals is easy, and you likely will find a goal that you like, it doesn’t mean that it’s appropriate for your child. You may need to do some reading there first, before you choose the measurable IEP goals from this goal bank list.
I have dozens upon dozens of articles about IEP goals on this site. In my online IEP Advocacy Training, I spend a great deal of time discussing IEP goals, how to develop them, write them, and measure them.
Finding great ideas (and there are literally thousands here) is just one step toward a solid IEP.
- How to Write IEP Goals
- FAQs about IEP Goals
- What if I don’t want that IEP goal?
- What if my child does not meet their IEP goals?
- What IDEA says about IEP Goals
IEP Goals for Autism
I’m often asked why I don’t have a separate IEP goal bank for autism. Or autism-specific IEP goals. Remember, IEPs are needs-driven, not diagnosis driven. So, you’d develop goals based on the child’s needs. Yes, many students with IEPs for autism have similar needs.
I have a separate post about an Autism IEP, which explains how to build a solid, meaningful IEP if your child has autism.
Grade Level IEP Goals
At the bottom of this section, I will include the IEP goal formula. You can take any skill, any time frame, and plug it into the formula to make it measurable.
However, again, please remember that the goals are developed on baselines in the IEP present levels. It may not be inappropriate to take core standards skills and plug them in and make an IEP goal.
But, what are the baselines? If a child is behind his/her age and grade peers, the goal should be personalized to them.
What I’m not so succinctly saying is this: IEP goals are based on a child’s existing skill set. And not an age, grade, or calendar expectation.
I have heard from parents in the past who were told “Well, we have to write goals based on core standards.” No, no they don’t. IDEA is very clear that goals are based on evaluations. It’s an exercise in futility to write a goal that a child cannot reasonably achieve in one school year.
Measurable IEP Goals
Remember that the student’s every area of need should be listed in IEP present levels. Use the baselines in PLAAFP to develop the goals.
- IEP Goals for Writing (meaning the skill of writing or composition, not handwriting IEP goals)
- IEP Goals for Reading
- Reading Comprehension IEP Goals
- Behavior IEP Goals
- Math IEP Goals
- Executive Functioning IEP Goals
- Social Skills IEP Goals
- Independent Functioning IEP Goals
- Organization IEP Goals
- Reading Fluency IEP Goals
- Transition Goals for an IEP
- Written Expression IEP Goals
- Fluency IEP Goals
- IEP Goals for Focus and Attention
- IEP Goals for ADHD
- Kindergarten IEP Goals
- Self Advocacy and Self Determination IEP Goals
- Receptive and Expressive Language IEP Goals
- IEP Goals for Auditory Processing Disorder
- Functional Math and Money Skills IEP Goals
- Toileting IEP Goals
- Trauma-Informed IEP Goals
- IEP Goals for Inference
- Transition and Community-Based Instruction CBI IEP Goals
- Counseling IEP Goals (counseling is an IEP Related Service!)
- Working Memory IEP Goals
- Anxiety IEP Goals
- Fine Motor Skills OT IEP Goals
- IEP Goals for Dysgraphia
- CVI IEP Goals
But, wait! There’s more!
In addition to the common requests that I get for IEP goals listed above, there are many more below. Just scroll through the titles and images, and surely you will have more IEP goal ideas than you know what to do with.
Printable IEP Goal Bank
Here you go. I consolidated the printable IEP goals and objectives bank. It is over 100 pages, so if you are going to print it, be aware. You might want to send it to Kinko’s or Staples and have it bound so that you can use it as a reference.