How do I Know if my Child has Good IEP Goals?

Question: How do I Know if my Child has Good IEP Goals?

Answer:

This is a really good question for EVERY parent with a child with an IEP. Answering it is a little like opening Pandora's box, but I will try to give you my short answer. I would ask yourself: Are they measurable? Are they realistic? Are they timely?

Don't be afraid to ask questions:

• What kind of data will be taken?

• How will progress be measured? If they're going to chart, what will they be charting? If they're going to observe, what will they be observing? How will they document the observation?

• Is the growth is individualized or not? What makes it individualized for your particular child?

• Are they expecting a year's growth in a year's time? If not, why not?

When you get the progress reports (which they'll be sending you every quarter), check to see if expected progress is being made and if there’s data included to measure that progress. If there isn’t, then feel free to ask questions or call a meeting to really understand the goals and to really understand the child's progress.

If you have questions about your child’s IEP goals, please schedule a free intro call with Laurie McDevitt, Special Education Advocate & Consultant. Serving families in the Chicagoland area and throughout the country.