Functional math goals often show up in IEP meetings as an afterthought—or worse, as a point of disagreement. You may see vague language about “real-world skills,” goals that sound appropriate but can’t be measured, or a blanket statement that functional math IEP goals aren’t needed because the student is “working at grade level.” That’s a…
Money skills can be confusing when students are learning them. Early misunderstandings—like thinking bigger coins are worth more—are part of the process. As students get older, however, money skills shift from recognizing currency to using money in real, practical ways. For students with IEPs, money goals are often part of independent living skills. Purchasing, budgeting,…
I will never forget this one day when Kevin was a preschooler. We had an IEP meeting, and one of his proposed math IEP goals was to be able to visualize and identify what 2 of something looks like or what 3 of something looks like. That same day, my younger son came up to…
So, there’s a reason why I am now just doing this post after the blog is more than 13 years old. I am philosophically opposed to this list. It doesn’t make sense to make a list of kindergarten IEP goals. No, really, stay with me here. Remember, IEPs are needs-driven. They are not age or…
For a long time, I purposely did not include lists like this on my site–lists of things like math word problem IEP goals. I refrained from putting math goals because struggling in math is usually indicative of other issues. I still stand by that, and encourage you to pursue other areas of need for a…
When a child has math skills and can apply them to everyday life, it can be something we take for granted. Many of us are familiar with the moaning and groaning while doing math and saying, “But I’m never going to use this in my everyday life!” But, you might! My teen can now do…