Example IEP Goals: How to Write Them + 25 Ready-to-Use Sample IEP Goals

While IEP goals are not the most important part of the IEP, they are one of the main parts. A parent (and IEP team) can only effectively monitor a student’s progress if there are measurable IEP goals with objective baselines. Writing a good IEP goal is part art, part science.

Wish you could just see what a good IEP goal looks like instead of playing “guess the measurable objective” every time you open your kid’s IEP? You’re not alone.

IEP goals are one of the most visible—and misunderstood—parts of the IEP. Without solid goals, there’s no clear way to track progress. And if you’ve ever had a goal disappear from the IEP or stay the same for years, you know what I’m talking about.

This guide will walk you through:

• How IEP goals are chosen
• Common parent questions
• How to tell if a goal is measurable
• 25+ example IEP goals you can tweak and use
• Sample IEP Goals
• How many goals should an IEP have?
• Who writes IEP goals?
• Can parents submit IEP goal ideas?
• What if my child doesn’t meet their IEP goals?

Let’s dive in.

What Are IEP Goals (And Why They Matter)

IEP goals aren’t just a bureaucratic box to check—they’re the blueprint for tracking your child’s progress. And if they’re not measurable, they’re useless.

IEP goals should be based on your child’s needs, which are described in the Present Levels section of the IEP. This is determined by evaluations—not a diagnosis.

Need drives goals. Diagnosis does not.

Who Writes the Goals?

Technically, anyone on the team. But usually, each provider writes their portion—OT writes OT goals, for example.

That said, IDEA doesn’t limit who can write what. So if the school reads the goals to you with no input? Not collaborative. Push back. You should be part of all 5 essential IEP process steps.

Common IEP Goal Questions from Parents

What if my child doesn’t meet their IEP goals?
Could be a red flag that FAPE is being denied—but it also might point to poorly written goals or gaps in service. Here’s what to do.

Why are the same goals on the IEP every year?
Red. Flag. IEPs are meant to show progress. If the goals don’t change, something’s broken. I have literally thousands of resources available to help you through this–the help is out there. But you’re going to have to take ownership of this issue and create change. Our Message Boards are a good place to start. Every question is answered by an advocate.

How many goals should there be?
IDEA doesn’t say. Your district might have a “policy,” but it’s not legally binding. If your child needs more than six goals, advocate for them.

Goals disappeared. What’s up with that?
Common, but not okay. Goals should only be removed if they’re mastered or no longer a priority—and that should be agreed upon by the team. Use my IEP Goal Tracker to monitor this.

Can parents submit goal ideas?
YES! Please do. Just make sure they align with Present Levels and real needs.

How do I know if a goal is measurable?
Use the SMART goal acronym or this IEP Goal Formula to double-check.

25+ Sample IEP Goals by Category

Let’s get to the good stuff—examples! These are based on real needs and written in measurable language. Use them as a starting point.

When you’re ready to really dig in, I have an IEP goal bank that has literally thousands of IEP goal samples and examples of IEP goals to edit and individualize. It has over 50 categories in including examples of self advocacy IEP goals, sample IEP goals for writing, sample social emotional IEP goals, examples of IEP goals for writing and so much more. I don’t want to overwhelm anyone–the IEP process is overwhelming, so know that it’s a lot of great information. Pace yourself.

Academic IEP Goal Examples

Reading

• Student will read 60 words per minute from a second-grade passage with 90% accuracy, 4 out of 5 trials.
• Student will identify the main idea in a paragraph in 3 out of 5 opportunities.
• Student will decode multisyllabic words with 80% accuracy on weekly assessments.
• For a more comprehensive list, go to: Reading and Writing IEP Goals

Math

• Student will solve single-step word problems using addition/subtraction in 4 out of 5 class activities.
• Student will complete 10 double-digit addition problems with less than 2 errors.
• Student will tell time to the nearest five minutes on an analog clock in 4 out of 5 attempts.
• For a more comprehensive list, go to Math IEP Goals.

Executive Function & Organization Goal Examples

• Student will bring needed materials to class 4 out of 5 days.
• Using a visual checklist, student will complete multi-step tasks independently in 80% of opportunities.
• Student will submit assignments by the due date in 3 out of 4 weekly opportunities.
• For a more comprehensive list, go to: Executive Functioning IEP Goals

Communication & Social Skills Goal Samples

Social Skills

• Student will initiate peer conversations using appropriate greetings in 3 of 5 observed situations.
• During group tasks, student will take turns and use kind words in 80% of opportunities.
• Student will identify personal emotions using a feelings chart in 4 of 5 opportunities.
• For a more comprehensive list, go to: Social Skills IEP Goals

Speech/Language

• Student will produce /s/ sound in all word positions with 90% accuracy.
• Student will follow two-step directions with 80% accuracy.
• Student will use complete sentences when answering questions during language activities in 3 out of 5 trials.
• For a more comprehensive list, go to: Speech and Language IEP Goals

Behavior & Emotional Regulation Sample IEP Goals

• When frustrated, student will use a break card or coping strategy in 3 out of 4 instances.
• Student will demonstrate self-control (keeping hands/feet to self) in 80% of classroom interactions.
• With adult prompting, student will verbalize needs instead of engaging in disruptive behavior in 4 out of 5 scenarios.
• For a more comprehensive list, go to IEP Behavior Goals.

Life Skills & Adaptive Goals

• Student will independently complete a hygiene checklist before school with 90% accuracy.
• Student will sort laundry by color and type with 80% independence.
• Student will use public transportation (school-provided or training module) following a 3-step process with visual cues.
• For a comprehensive list of sample IEP goals for this category, go to: Independent Functioning and Life Skills goals

A Few Quick Tips About IEP Goals

These examples are meant to get your creative advocacy juices flowing. But remember:

• Goals must be based on your child’s needs from evaluations.
• The language must be measurable.
• If a goal doesn’t make sense to you, ask. You’re a full member of the team.

Need help writing your own? Here’s my full guide on how to write SMART IEP goals.

Want more? Download my IEP Goal Tracker and get my IEP Toolkit with hundreds more goal ideas, accommodations, and templates.